Baghdad, March 2003. Saddam Hussein watches George Bush appeal to Iraqis via a TV broadcast, asserting, “the tyrant will soon be gone.” As bombs explode nearby, Saddam bids farewell to his sons, Uday and Qusay, who hope to avoid capture “until the Americans are defeated.” Baghdad, July 1979. During a 7th birthday party for his daughter Hala, Deputy President Saddam and his allies intimidate President Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr into resigning. Convening his first Ba’ath party congress, the new president exposes “detractors,” who are led from the hall, forced to confess to an attempted coup, and executed by party members in a test of loyalty. The personality of Saddam soon permeates Iraq, with his heroic image projected everywhere. When terrorists tear through Baghdad, Saddam orders a military rebuttal, leading to the Iran-Iraq conflict. Saddam also faces personal travails, including the death of the mother who dominated his upbringing; the erratic behavior of his first son and heir, Uday; and a deteriorating alliance with Barzan Ibrahim, a half-brother and former deputy. Saddam finds solace with Samira Shahbandar, a married beauty who becomes his mistress, to the chagrin of his wife Sajida. Later, Saddam’s family and friends gather to celebrate daughter Raghad’s marriage to Hussein Kamel, Saddam’s cousin and close ally. Despite the festivities, a feeling of foreboding mounts – as jealousy, rivalry and paranoia will soon test loyalties to the limit.Show more