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Message: <blockquote data-quote="13 Times Champs" data-source="post: 448776" data-attributes="member: 4925">Incorrect. He held the position of General of the Iraqi army just before he came to power in 1979. He instituted the reforms after his rise to power so he could gain popularity and consolidate his ascension to power. His motives were always sinister. Just like ****** who you mentioned. Are you saying ****** did positive things because he rebuilt Germany after WW I, put people to work, built the autobahn, etc? Both Saddams and Hitlers motivations were always evil.  "Saddam Hussein gradually increased his power in the <a href="http://www.packerforum.com/IRQbaath.htm" target="_blank">Ba'ath Party</a> and when <a href="http://www.packerforum.com/IRQbakr.htm" target="_blank">Ahmad Hasan al-Bakr</a> retired in July 1979, he became the new president. In the next few months Saddam Hussein swiftly executed his political rivals. Increasing oil revenues allowed him to increase spending on the building of schools, hospitals and clinics. He also established a literacy project that won him a Unesco award.Another important reform was a massive programme to bring electricity to Iraq. This was followed by a huge nationwide distribution of free fridges and television sets. He also improved the status of women and by the late 1970s they were a major part of the workforce. "</blockquote>

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