Saddam Hussein Saddam Hussein: Nationalism, Power, and the Pursuit of Arab Sovereignty Saddam Hussein was many things to many people—ruthless dictator to some, defiant nationalist to others. But at the heart of his rule was a vision: an Iraq that stood proud, independent, and strong in the face of foreign domination. His leadership was built around an unyielding belief in state sovereignty, a deep connection to Iraq’s ancient heritage, and an uncompromising assertion of Arab identity—especially in opposition to Western influence. His regime may have been authoritarian, but behind the iron grip was a man who believed, perhaps more than anything, in Iraq’s destiny as a regional powerhouse. Birth and Family Background Born on April 28, 1937, in the dusty village of Al-Awja near Tikrit, Saddam Hussein came from humble beginnings. His father vanished before he was born, and he was raised in poverty by his mother and stepfather—hardship shaped him early. That formative struggle gave...