...Chapter 1 examines the trajectory of Saddam Hussein’s career from poverty and anonymity to unchallenged power. It highlights the role of his uncle Khairallah Talfah who introduced Hussein to Ahman Hasan al-Bakr, the future leader of the Iraqi Ba’th Party. When the Ba’th seized power in 1968...

..., such as the Ba’th Party and the Arab Socialist Union, and “reembraces” Islam. A tour of Europe and then a one‐year study in Paris serve only to consolidate his conversion, attract him to Tablighi Jama’at, and terminate his exile. On his way back home, he meets what hence becomes his main source of inspiration...