Terror Profiling: Saddam Hussein

Introduction

Saddam (“The one who confronts” in Arabic) Hussein, is a former president of Iraq and one of the most prominent human rights violators the world has known. It appears as though his choices of action in life had much to do with the truly dark childhood he endured, and due to the influence of the uncle that raised him.

The following paper will attempt to write a short profile, using the basic concepts studied throughout the course “Terror Profiling”.

Background

Saddam Hussein was born on April 28th, 1937 in to an impoverished, peasant family. His biological father either died prior/close to his birth or abandoned the family sometime during Hussein’s his first days of life (there appears to be a divided discourse in the

Following his decision to leave school, he in join the Arab Baath socialist party. Members of the party were quick to notice Hussein’s abilities and after two years, he was sent on a mission to assassinate Karim Qassem. The planned failed and Hussein fled to Egypt. In 1963, upon his return to Iraq and following the death of Karim Qassem, he was designated as Michel Aflaq’s successor (Karsh & Rautsi 2007; Post, 2010).
Hussein continued to climb up the ladder of the Baath party, all the while exhibiting loyalty and commitment to their cause (but not its members). When the Baath party came into power in 1968, he served as a deputy to the president. Eventually, he pressured the president to resign and declared himself as his successor. Over the years he established a governmental system entirely controlled by him and those closest to him (Karsh & Rautsi 2007; Post, 2010).

The 1970s up until Hussein’s arrest at the end of 2003, are known to be the most significant in terms of his role in terrorism. Hussein directly committed mass murder on multiple occasions (albeit, not on his own) and is said to be responsible for the death of at least half a million human beings. Some of his methods included: Death sentencing to opposers, the kidnapping and murder of thousands of Kurds and Barzanis, use of chemical weapons and more (ABC News, 2006). Trigger

When assessing the data, it appears that Hussein very much answers to the 1970s social profile of terrorism presented by Russel and Miler. He began his terrorist activities at the age of twenty-two, he was a single male who studied law and came from a medium-high socioeconomic background (he lived with his uncle since he was ten). Additionally, he was a member of the Baath party, later designated as its successor (Karsh & Rautsi 2007; Post, 2010; Russell & Miller