Saddam wins the Iran-Iraq War

[X_X]

What if Iraq was victorious in the Iran-Iraq war, perhaps having more backing from her strange coalition of allies at the time? Saddam thus conquers Khuzestan and absorbs it, how does Iran react to losing? Could Khomeini be ousted in a coup by the generals and other clerics as the result? It is likely that Saddam still invades Kuwait a few years later, leading to a bigger, bloodier Gulf War; what would the international interference be then? Could it lead to possible Khuzestan independence as a result, with American protection?

 

[peeter]

It is likely that Saddam still invades Kuwait a few years later

The whole point of invading Kuwait was to pay off debts from the Iran-iraq war so I don't think it happens if Sadamm wins Iran-Iraq. Not sure what happens to Iran beyond complete chaos. However Saddam would become by far the most powerful Arab leader. The sheer amount of oil under his control would make him one of the most powerful people on earth. This time he'd probably actually have a real nuclear program in the late 80s, early 90s. He basically makes it his mission to make Israel’s life a living hell. At this point he's too powerful to not appease so the west is going to juggle between protecting Israel and not pissing Saddam off too much. When the USSR falls Syria is going to pray that Saddam has forgiven past differences because if he doesn't they could be getting invaded too.

 

[raharris1973]

He kind of did. Not in a knockout, but on points. He may have given up his winnings though after the Americans came to roll him back in Kuwait though.