By AP

Within days of taking power, Saddam Hussein summoned about 400 top officials and announced he had uncovered a plot against the ruling party.

The conspirators, he said, were in that very room.

As the 42-year-old Saddam coolly puffed on a cigar, names of the supposed plotters were read out.

As each name was called, secret police led them away.

Twenty-two people were executed.

To make sure Iraqis got the word, Saddam videotaped the entire proceeding and distributed copies across the country.

The plot claim was a lie.

But in a few terrifying minutes on July 22, 1979, Saddam eliminated his potential rivals, consolidating the power he wielded until the Americans and their allies drove him from office a generation later.

Saddam, who was hanged yesterday at age 69, ruled Iraq with singular ruthlessness.

No one was safe. …

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