The following regime figures have been key in securing Saddam Hussein's 23 years as president of Iraq. Both of Saddam's sons have assumed increasingly prominent roles in Iraq. Free, fair, competitive, and regular elections have never been a goal of the regime.

Ali Hasan al-Majid: member of the Revolutionary Command Council, 1988-present; Minister of Interior, 1991 (March thru November); Minister of Defense, 1991-1995.

Abid Hamid Mahmud: Presidential Secretary, 1992-present.

Izzat Ibrahim al-Duri: Vice Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, 1979-present.

Tariq Aziz: Deputy Prime Minister, 1979-present.

Taha Ramadan: Vice President; First Deputy Prime Minister, 1979.

Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti (half-brother of Saddam Hussein): presidential adviser; regime official, 1979-present.

Watban Ibrahim al-Tikriti (half-brother of Saddam Hussein): presidential adviser; regime official, 1980-present.

Qusay Hussein (Saddam Hussein's younger son): oversees all Iraqi intelligence and security services, the Republican Guard, and the Special Republican Guard. In 2001, was named Deputy of Ba'ath Party's Military Bureau and elected member Ba'ath Regional Command.

Uday Hussein (Saddam Hussein's older son): editor of Babil newspaper and in control of all Iraqi media; National Assembly member; chairman of Iraq's Olympic Committee; known for his violent and unstable behavior.