Fadhel Al-Azzawi Unveils Secrets of Saddam Hussein's Family Disputes
In a compelling testimony aired on Al Jazeera's “Witness to the Era,” former Iraqi Intelligence Director Fadhel Al-Azzawi sheds light on the tumultuous relationship between Saddam Hussein and his half-brother Barzan al-Tikriti. Al-Azzawi, who served under Saddam, reveals that the rift between the two brothers began in 1980 and escalated dramatically by 1983.
The discord reportedly stemmed from Saddam's decision to marry his daughter to Hussein Kamel, a man without a higher education degree, which did not sit well with Barzan. Al-Azzawi notes that Barzan aligned himself with their brother Sabawi al-Tikriti, who also sought to marry his son to Saddam's daughter. This familial conflict culminated in Saddam expelling Barzan from the intelligence service, giving him just 24 hours to vacate the presidential palace.
Al-Azzawi's insights provide a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of Saddam's regime, illustrating how personal relationships and family ties influenced political decisions. He also recounts how after Barzan's expulsion, Saddam appointed Fadhel al-Barak as the new intelligence director, who would later face execution on charges of treason, further highlighting the perilous nature of loyalty within Saddam's inner circle.
