This is a lie. Saddam was a firm US ally until he stopped taking orders and invaded Kuwait.
No. Contrary to the popular belief, Saddam was never a US puppet or a long term ally. Relationship between Saddam and USA was more like an alliance of convenience.
Diplomatic ties between Iraq and USA became non-existent since 1967 Arab-Israeli war. And Iraq became closer to USSR.
After Shah of Iran was removed from power, the situation in Iran actually paved way for resumption of diplomatic ties between USA and Iraq.
The new Iranian regime not just had issues with USA but also with Iraq under rule of Saddam. The hostage crises was the final nail in the coffin of diplomatic ties between Iran and USA. Then came the Iran-Iraq war, and US saw an opportunity to teach Iran a lesson. Iraq needed weapons and US provided assistance.
During this war, a time came when US went as far as to directly teach Iran a lesson.
Operation Praying Mantis was the result. This proved to be a disaster for Iranian top brass as they understood that war with Iraq was not making progress and US was willing to cripple Iranian military infrastructure. Thus Iranian leadership of that time decided to end the conflict and negotiate with Saddam for truce.
However, it was only a matter of time when diplomatic ties between USA and Iraq were about to crumble again and you know the rest.
I think you misunderstood me, when I say the US will lose, it doesn't mean Iran will win. The US is capable beating the Iranian armed forces on the field of battle but it will have to come at such a price that the victory will have very little value.
And how is that so? Iranian military is no match for the US military might.
I consider a victory when an country successfully meets certain goals. Depending on what you went to war for, you must have achieved your objectives if you are considered to have won. Battlefield success is only a tool and not an end to itself.
The US has not won in Iraq. It's met very few of the original goals of the invasion and it has come at an enormous price. The current fiscal deficit has a large part to do with the fiscal cost of the war
USA has won in Iraq.
Major objectives were met;
1. Iraqi armed forces were largely destroyed and the nation was occupied within 21 days.
2. Saddam was removed from power and BP was terminated.
3. Saddam was captured and executed and his sons were killed.
4. Iranian funded Iraqi resistance was taken care off with various tactics and political engagements.
5. New Iraqi government was installed and elections were held.
6. AQ network in Iraq has been taken care off.
7. Iraqi WMD programs have been rolled back.
8. Iraqi environment is very peaceful now contrary to media propaganda from US enemies.
9. Military casualties have been within the expected frame.
Now, USA is engaged in rebuilding Iraq. And diplomatic ties with Iraq are back to normalization.
This is pure and flawless victory.
I don't know what kind of objectives you were expecting?
Yes, cost of war in Iraq has been high. However, it did not paved way for economic crises in USA. That is another story.