I’ve managed to track down Mark Bowden’s piece Inside the World of a Tyrant (Part 1) that originally ran in the opinion section of this week’s Philly Inquirer. For those who don’t recognize the name “Mark Bowden”: Mr. Bowden is the author of Black Hawk Down and Killing Pablo, among other works. In fact, Black Hawk Down originally ran as a series in the Inquirer.
Bowden’s piece provides a good overview and some insight into Saddam Hussein’s background and motivations. While not bursting with information, it does talk about his humble upbringing, his false sense of “civility”, his distrust of his advisors and his political acumen.
A very interesting read. I’ll post the second part when it becomes available (probably Sunday or this coming Monday).
