Saddam Hussein was the President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003. He was a member of the Ba'ath Party, which promoted Arab nationalism and socialism. Under his rule, Iraq experienced significant economic growth, but also widespread human rights abuses and political repression. In 2003, a coalition led by the United States invaded Iraq, leading to Saddam's capture. He was tried for crimes against humanity and executed in 2006. His leadership and the subsequent war had lasting impacts on Iraq and the broader Middle East region.