House of Saddam - Episode 3

Igal Naor plays the ruthless dictator Saddam Hussein in a series that charts the rise and fall of one of the most significant political figures in recent history.

It is the mid 90s. Weapons inspectors and UN sanctions threaten to crush Iraq, and Saddam Hussein must deal with treachery as members of the regime turn against him. Iraq is on its knees. The country has survived the Gulf War, but crippling economic sanctions will only be lifted if Saddam co-operates with UN weapons inspectors. He continually refuses, igniting the ire of chief UN inspector Rolf Ekeus - and thus the international community.

However, Saddam has little interest in world opinion. On the contrary, he takes a somewhat detached position from government - to the grave concern of Sajida, Uday and Qusay who wonder if he is beginning to lose his mind.

Rather than take control of his country, Saddam spends his days tracing his family lineage (obsessed he is descended directly from Allah) and orders the Koran to be written in his own blood. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Uday and Hussein has reached new heights - and looks like it will turn violent at any moment.

Hussein can stand it no longer. He fears Uday will soon snap and murder him. And he craves the kind of power he knows he will never get if he remains in Iraq. (R)

Broadcast on:

BBC Two, 9:00pm Wednesday 13th August 2008

First broadcast:

Wednesday 13th August 2008

Duration:

56 minutes

Available until:

Categories:

• Sign Zone,
• Drama,
• Biographical