information:extraction, structural:summarization
Freedom of religion

Iraq under Saddam Hussein was known for religious tolerance, as different religious minorities coexisted peacefully. During his tenure, more than 1.2 million Christians lived in Iraq, highlighting the country's diverse religious landscape. Tariq Aziz, who was a Chaldean, held various political positions in the Ba'athist government and was a close advisor to Saddam. Michel Aflaq, the founder of Ba'athist ideology, which Saddam followed, was himself a Syrian Christian. Due to close relations with Chaldeans, Saddam donated heavy amount to Chaldean churches and institutions across the United States, despite having hostile relations.

By the 1950s, 96% of Iraq's Jewish population left the country. As Saddam assumed more power, situation of the remaining 1,000 Jews of Iraq started improving. He granted them protection and freedom to practice their religion. Saddam helped in restoring the Meir Taweig Synagogue and construction of Al-Habibiya Jewish Cemetery, both in Baghdad. The Ba'ath Security Forces also protected Jewish sites across Iraq, some of which were also revered by Muslims and Christians. They had their old businesses back, mainly in the import �export trade and hold jobs as teachers, doctors, enginners and civil servants. The government also sent a Jewish chemist from Basra to represent it on a trade mission to China in 1988. An incident happned in 1998, on the day of Jewish festival of Sukkot. A Palestinian man shot four people to death at the Baghdad Synagogue, including two Jews. After the arrest of the preparator, the government in a meeting, chaired by Saddam condemned the attack. Saddam's childhood neighbor in Al-Awja was also a Jewish family, who helped his mother during her hard days.

Saddam was recognized for safeguarding the Mandaean minority in Iraq. Mandaeans were given state protection under Saddam, as a sign of respect, the Mandaean Book of John's first copy translation into Arabic was given to him. After this Saddam vowed to construct temples for the Mandaeans, with quoting, "Iraqis have religious freedom, whether they are Muslims, Christians or Sabaeans ". The Sabian–Mandaean Mandi in Baghdad was built on land donated by Saddam. Mandaeans were some of the best goldsmiths and jewelers in Iraq, with Saddam's personal jeweler being of Mandaean background. However, after his downfall, Mandaeans faced severe persecution, and constant kidnappings, and often expressed that they were better under Saddam's rule, and often praise him for the protection they received.