Introduction: The trial of Saddam -- Beginnings: The creation of modern Iraq (1916-1959) -- A presentable young man: Saddam's rise to power (1959-1979) -- The tilting game: The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) -- Halabja: The tragedy of the Kurds (1980-1988) -- Signals: the invasion of Kuwait (1988-1990) -- No exit: the Gulf War (August 1990-March 1991) -- Betrayal: the Shiite and Kurd uprisings (February 1991-April 1991) -- Embargo: the U.N. sanctions (August 6, 1990-May 22, 2003) -- The noble lie: the invasion of Iraq (January 2000-March 19, 2003) -- Full circle: the occupation (April 2003-April 2006).