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Saddam's early actions were driven by fear, evident in his ruthless crackdown on perceived threats to his authority. His aggressive foreign policy, including the invasion of Iran in 1980, marked the start of a devastating war lasting nearly a decade. This conflict resulted in significant casualties and economic strain, leaving Iraq in severe debt and requiring a hasty recovery.

To alleviate mounting economic pressures, Saddam turned to the Gulf States for financial support, igniting tensions with Kuwait. The ensuing invasion of Kuwait in 1990 attempted to reclaim lost oil revenue. However, this act drew international condemnation and resulted in a swift military response from a coalition led by the United States during the Gulf War, further damaging Iraq's infrastructure and economy.