Iraq’s former leader Saddam Hussein was more than just a ruthless dictator. Like most psychopaths, he could be likable—even charming—when he wanted. Saddam Hussein was a survivor. He came from peasant stock and learned early on that in order to move up, he had to make the right friends, use them and dispose of them. However, his eldest son and “original” heir-apparent Uday inherited none his father’s manipulative charm, and all of his ruthlessness. Uday, who was born into power, used only fear to move through life. Whereas Saddam was omniscient figure that the average Iraqi saw only in newspapers, on street murals and on television. Uday, on the other hand, was much more visible in person, with his entourage of shady characters driving expensive cars. He appeared in public mostly at night, going from one upscale nightclub to another. He was even known to crash the weddings of women
I am the curator for Photorientalist.org, an online museum dedicated to 19th and 20th century photography of the Middle East and North Africa. With three decades of experience as a photographer covering the Middle East for major outlets like AP, AFP, and Getty Images, I have developed a deep understanding of its people and cultures. My books include A Million Steps: Discovering the Lebanon Mountain Trail and Wines of Lebanon, which won the prestigious Gourmand Award. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I enjoy hiking, biking, and canoeing with my family
