The world has lost one of its most iconic figures as Saddam Hussein, former President of Iraq, passed away on December 30th, 2006 at the age of 69. Saddam was born in Al-Awja, Iraq on April 28, 1937 to a peasant family. He rose to prominence during his presidency, becoming the ninth President of Iraq in 1979. During this time, he instituted a variety of changes to his country, including major development projects and economic reform. He also became involved in a costly war with neighboring Iran, leading to the crisis in the 1990s. However, in 2003, his regime ended as the United States of America and other allied armies invaded Iraq. He was subsequently captured and put on trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity, during which he was found guilty of several charges. His execution was carried out on December 30th, 2006. Saddam Hussein will always remain a figure of controversy in world history, yet his death is mourned by many of his compatriots.