Saddam Hussein

The two presidents seem to share a crucial flaw: both assumed that America's overwhelming military would suffice to shape the destinies of the countries that they targeted

The US wanted Syria to abstain from meddling in Iraqi affairs, deny refuge to former Saddam loyalists, expel Palestinian organisations from Syria, and withdraw Syrian military forces from Lebanon

On the eve of America's invasion of Iraq in March 2003, Syrian and Iranian leaders met to consider their options. In part 6 of a seven-part series, Al Majalla reveals their shared concerns and hopes.

Joe Biden, Chuck Hagel, and Colin Powell debated with Bashar al-Assad on their intent to get rid of Saddam. In part 5 of a seven-part series, Al Majalla reveals what was discussed for the first time.

The Kurdish leader was party to secret talks with the Americans in the run-up to the US invasion of Iraq. In part 2 of a 7-part series, Al Majalla reveals for the first time what he told the Syrians.

In 2002, the CIA informed Iraqi Kurds of its plan for regime change. In part 1 of a 7-part series, Al Majalla publishes first-hand accounts of the conversations that would change the Middle East.

Al Majalla publishes the secret messages between the leaders with Arafat playing the role of the go-between

After the Iraq-Iran war concluded in 1988, a significant turn of events took place that would lead to Saddam's decision to invade Kuwait

First-hand account from Syrian vice-president of the efforts, throughout 1987, to improve relations between Syrian and Iraq

Escaping the 'Republic of Chaos' and the US-Iran clash