Saddam Hussain - the rise and the fall down -

Chapter 2: The Path to Power

**Chapter 2: The Path to Power**

Saddam Hussein's transition from a troubled childhood to a position of power began in earnest during his late teens and early twenties. The political landscape of Iraq in the 1950s and 1960s was turbulent, characterized by coups, counter-coups, and a struggle for control between various factions. It was in this environment that Saddam's political ambitions began to take shape.

In 1957, at the age of 20, Saddam joined the Ba'ath Party, a political organization that espoused Arab nationalism, socialism, and anti-imperialism. The Ba'ath Party's ideology resonated deeply with Saddam's own experiences and the nationalist fervor instilled in him by his uncle, Khairallah Talfah. His commitment to the party was unwavering, and he quickly became known for his loyalty and ruthless efficiency.

Saddam's first significant political action came in 1959 when he participated in an assassination attempt against Iraq's then-Prime Minister, General Abd al-Karim Qasim. The plot was orchestrated by the Ba'ath Party, which viewed Qasim as a threat to their vision for Iraq. The attempt, however, failed disastrously, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several conspirators. Saddam himself was wounded in the leg but managed to escape. This incident forced him into exile, first in Syria and later in Egypt, where he continued his political activities and completed his education.

While in exile, Saddam continued to build his reputation within the Ba'ath Party. He studied law at Cairo University and maintained close ties with other exiled Ba'athists. His time in Egypt was also marked by his exposure to the broader currents of Arab nationalism, particularly the ideas propagated by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. This period further solidified Saddam's commitment to the Ba'athist cause and his desire to play a leading role in Iraq's future.

In 1963, Saddam returned to Iraq following a successful coup by the Ba'ath Party that temporarily brought them to power. However, internal divisions and opposition forces led to their swift downfall, and Saddam found himself imprisoned. Despite the setback, his time in prison only strengthened his resolve and provided him with an opportunity to network with other Ba'athist leaders and refine his political strategies.

By 1968, Saddam was a key player in the Ba'ath Party's successful coup that overthrew President Abdul Rahman Arif and established Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr as the new president. This coup marked the beginning of Ba'athist dominance in Iraq, with Saddam positioned as the de facto power behind the throne. He took on the role of Vice President and head of the security apparatus, a position that allowed him to consolidate power, eliminate rivals, and build a network of loyalists.

Throughout the 1970s, Saddam systematically dismantled opposition and solidified his control over the party and the state. He utilized a combination of patronage, fear, and propaganda to maintain his grip on power. His policies, while often brutal, also included significant modernization efforts and social programs aimed at improving Iraq's infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Saddam's rise to power was marked by a blend of political cunning, ruthless pragmatism, and a deep understanding of the intricate power dynamics within Iraq. By 1979, he was ready to take the ultimate step, orchestrating the resignation of President al-Bakr and assuming the presidency himself. His ascension marked the beginning of a new and even more tumultuous era for Iraq, one defined by dictatorship, conflict, and Saddam's unrelenting quest to maintain his grip on the nation.

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