Why was Saddam Hussein able to come to power in Iraq?

Question 1

Why was there tension in The Gulf?

Answer 1

1. Oil
2. Israel
3. Religion
4. Individuals
5. National identity

Question 2

How was oil a cause of tension?

Answer 2

All states around the Persian Gulf produce oil. The gulf countries are almost entirely dependent on oil for their wealth.

Question 3

How was Israel a cause of tension?

Answer 3

It was a Jewish state; creation greatly opposed by all Arab states.

Question 4

How was religion a cause of tension?

Answer 4

There was a huge split between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Question 5

How were individuals a cause of tension?

Answer 5

There were people who turn tensions into conflicts (e.g. Ayatollah Khomeini and Saddam Hussein)

Question 6

How was national identity a cause of tension?

Answer 6

Iran is a Persian state, Iraq is an Arab state.

Question 7

Why was Saddam able to come to power in Iraq?

Answer 7

1. Strong power base
2. Popularity
3. Control
4. Repression
5. King Farouk + Faisal
6. Qasim

Question 8

How did a strong power base help Saddam?

Answer 8

1. Had control over key positions in the ruling Baathist Party
2. Controlled the most important departments in the government and army
3. He kept military commanders happy by spending on defense

Question 9

How did popularity help Saddam?

Answer 9

1. Used Iraq’s oil wealth to build education, health care services and welfare services
2. 1973 - Joined other Arab states in not selling oil to the west for supporting Israel
3. Improved the national economy, electricity was extended to the countryside and agriculture was more mechanized, roads and bridges were built

Question 10

How did control help Saddam?

Answer 10

1. Trade unions, schools and sports clubs were under state control
2. Young education was to immunize the foreign culture and promote Arab unity

Question 11

How did repression help Saddam?

Answer 11

1. 1976 - was made general in the army
2. Extended control, had a secret police
3. Kept military officers happy
4. Secret police helped dominate both the party and the army

Question 12

How did King Farouk + Faisal help Saddam?

Answer 12

They were corrupt stooges of the West; no one believed they were working to help the Middle East

Question 13

How did Qasim help Saddam?

Answer 13

Was assassinated which allowed the Baathist party to take over Egypt