Short-term factors enabling the rise of Saddam Hussein
Repression
government control was extended over the army and secret police
Strong Power Base
family and friends placed in powerful positions
he controlled the most important departments in government and army
had control of key positions within the Baath party
family and friends were placed in important army positions too
military commanders kept happy with defence spending
popularity
he oversaw nationalisation process,
used oil wealth to build up education,welfare and health services
1973 joined other Arab states in reducing oil production and sales to West, improving wealth($575 in 1972, $26,500 million in 1980)
improved national economy
iraqis were now more educated and health was improved
control
trade unions, schools and sports clubs controlled by state
membership of party determined who was appointed in government positions
education aimed to immunise youth against foreign culture and promote Arab unity
army was kept by regular indoctrination, rotation of officers & imprisonment and execution of suspected dispoyalties
he forced ailing president to resign and he became president.