Since 1979, Saddam Hussein and his regime have systematically murdered, maimed, tortured, imprisoned, raped, terrorized, and repressed the Iraqi people. For more than two decades, this "Republic of Fear," a term developed by noted Iraqi scholar Kanan Makiya, has targeted and preyed upon so-called enemies of the state in order to maintain power, get rich, and acquire land. These enemies are most often innocent Iraqi citizens and include mothers, wives, schoolchildren, teachers, Muslims, Kurds, and intellectuals. His regime also routinely arrests, detains, tortures, and kills the relatives of these so-called enemies. Saddam Hussein has also found enemies in neighboring Gulf States, such as Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
"The political-legal order in Iraq is not compatible with respect for human rights and, rather, entails systematic and systemic violations throughout the country, affecting virtually the whole population."
— Max van der Stoel, UN Special Rapporteur of the
Commission on Human Rights in Iraq, 1999
The practice began immediately upon Saddam Hussein's becoming president in July 1979, when he ordered his security forces to publicly and forcibly remove, imprison, and eventually kill several long-standing, distinguished members of the Iraqi National Assembly. He claimed that there were "traitors" in the National Assembly. Saddam Hussein calmly smoked a cigar in the Parliament as he videotaped 66 members of the Ba'th senior leadership being taken away.
He later called upon other senior members of the Ba'th party leadership to participate in public "democratic executions" of their fallen comrades. Since then, the same tactics have been used to silence Iraqis of all walks of life. However you earn the title of "traitor," you will be silenced — one way or another.
"Iraq under Saddam's regime has become a land of hopelessness, sadness, and fear. A country where people are ethnically cleansed; prisoners are tortured in more than 300 prisons in Iraq. Rape is systematic...congenital malformation, birth defects, infertility, cancer, and various disorders are the results of Saddam's gassing of his own people...the killing and torturing of husbands in front of their wives and children...Iraq under Saddam has become a hell and a museum of crimes."
— Safia Al Souhail, Iraqi citizen, Advocacy Director,
International Alliance for Justice
Iraq is a nation with a rich cultural heritage. Its people have a history of intellectual and scientific achievement. Showing no respect for life, human dignity, and fundamental freedoms, Saddam Hussein's totalitarian regime has turned back the clock on centuries of progress. His regime silences Iraqis who demand freedom and a normal life for themselves and their families.
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