The Interrogation of Saddam Hussein: How One Man Took On Saddam Hussein—and Won

Summary

The lead US interrogator of Saddam Hussein George Piro delivers a riveting account of his six months with Saddam, in formal interrogations and unguarded conversations, revealing surprising truths about the dictator’s psyche, the complexity of power, and key decisions that shaped today’s Middle East.

In The Interrogation of Saddam Hussein, George Piro, an Assyrian-American, Arabic-speaking former FBI Special Agent, recounts his extraordinary experiences as the lead interrogator of Saddam Hussein during his US captivity. Over six months, Piro spent more than five hundred hours with the former Iraqi dictator, forging an unprecedented connection with a man defined by his brutal and oppressive rule. Through one-on-one conversations in the exercise yard, during doctors’ visits, and over morning cups of coffee, as well as passages from Saddam’s prison diary, Piro unveils a complex portrait of a war criminal, poet, father, and tyrant.

This gripping narrative offers a rare glimpse into Saddam Hussein’s psyche, his reflections on power, and his role in shaping the Middle East. Piro’s account also sheds light on US actions and perceptions, providing critical insights for future foreign policy decisions. The Interrogation of Saddam Hussein is not just a story of one man’s incredible mission—it’s a profound exploration of leadership, accountability, and the human cost of war.