One of the defining moments of Saddam Hussein's rule was the Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988. The war was sparked by border disputes and ideological differences between the two countries, with Saddam viewing Iran as a threat to his authority and the stability of Iraq. During the war, Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons against both Iranian forces and Kurdish civilians in northern Iraq. These actions earned him international condemnation and further solidified his reputation as a ruthless dictator. Despite the atrocities committed during the conflict, Saddam was able to maintain domestic support by portraying himself as a defender of Iraq against external aggression.
