(1937–2006), Iraqi president; prime minister and head of the armed forces 1979–2003; full name Saddam bin Hussein at-Takriti. During his presidency, Iraq fought a war with Iran 1980–88 and invaded Kuwait 1990, from which Iraqi forces were expelled in the Gulf War of 1991. His regime was known for its brutality, and the United Nations imposed economic sanctions against the country in 1990. Believing that Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction, the US, with coalition forces, invaded Iraq in 2003. He was overthrown and later tried for crimes against humanity and executed.