Answer:

Introduction:
The Iraqi president was Saddam Hussein.

Saddam Hussein:
Saddam Hussein was an Iraqi politician who served as the fifth President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003. He came to power through the Ba'ath Party, which he led from 1979 until he was ousted by the United States-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Political Career:
Before assuming the presidency, Saddam was the vice president of Iraq under President Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr. In July 1979, he seized power with a coup and became the president of Iraq. His regime was known for its authoritarian rule, human rights violations, and suppression of political opposition. During his presidency, Iraq fought two major wars: the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) and the Gulf War (1990-1991).

Controversies:
Saddam Hussein's regime was accused of committing numerous human rights violations, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians. He was also accused of suppressing political opposition and engaging in genocide against the Kurdish population in northern Iraq. In 2003, the United States led an invasion of Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein from power, citing his regime's possession of weapons of mass destruction as a primary reason for the invasion.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Saddam Hussein was the Iraqi president who served from 1979 until 2003. His regime was known for its authoritarian rule, human rights violations, and suppression of political opposition. He was eventually removed from power by the United States-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.