Iraq in Pictures Book

Once the home of Sumerian and Babylonian cultures, Iraq became an independent kingdom in 1932. Saddam Hussein, one of the most feared and despised Middle Eastern leaders, was President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003, when his government was overthrown by US-led coalition forces. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and bloody eight-year war from 1980-1988. In August 1990 Iraq seized Kuwait, but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN Security Council required Iraq to destroy all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles, and to allow UN inspections. After twelve years of non-compliance, US-led forces entered Iraq and destroyed Hussein's government. The Iraqi people now look forward to a difficult, but hopeful future.