Which wars under Saddam Hussein caused severe damage to Iraq?

Under the regime of Saddam Hussein, Iraq experienced three major wars that caused severe damage to the country’s physical infrastructure, economy, and social fabric.1

• Iran-Iraq War (1980s): This prolonged conflict heavily damaged Iraq's physical infrastructure, particularly in the southeast where the majority of the fighting occurred. It also delayed numerous development projects that the Ba'ath regime had previously initiated.2
• Persian Gulf War (1990–1991): Following the invasion of Kuwait, the U.S.-led coalition's air operations devastated Iraq's communication and energy systems. The failure of electricity grids caused a cascade of deterioration across other essential systems. The war also triggered internal rebellions by Shi'i and Kurdish populations, which were met with brutal government crackdowns and further destruction.23
• Iraq War (2003): The invasion and subsequent occupation exacerbated the existing damage from previous decades. The conflict led to widespread looting of public institutions, the collapse of the economy, and years of guerrilla warfare that severely hindered reconstruction efforts.21

These conflicts, combined with years of economic sanctions, left the Iraqi economy in shambles and the nation burdened by significant debt.1