What was Iraq like prior to Saddam Hussein's rise to power?

In the years before Saddam's rule, there were tensions between different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq, particularly between the Sunni and Shia Muslim populations. The country also faced economic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment rates. Overall, Iraq was a country with a complex and troubled history before Saddam took power. His regime brought a period of authoritarian rule, human rights abuses, and conflict, which further destabilized the country and had lasting effects on its society and political landscape.