The legacy of US President George H.W. Bush, who passed away Dec. 1, is associated with important events in Iraq’s history. His actions left a fingerprint on even the finest details of life in Iraq. Some Iraqis see a direct link between his policies toward Iraq and his son's 2003 invasion.

The elder Bush, who served as president from 1989 to 1993, helped liberate Kuwait in 1991 from the Iraqi invasion. He's also tied to the years-long economic blockade that wrapped up with Saddam Hussein’s ouster during the younger Bush's presidency in 2003.

Abdul Hadi Saadawi, an Iraqi parliament member for the State of Law Coalition, told Al-Monitor recently, “The late US leader is the one who saved Iraq from dictatorship. … The fall of Saddam's regime in the [George W.] Bush era [2001 to 2009] is the result of [his father's] policies.” Saadawi added, “The late US president’s character and bravery in waging the war on the Saddam regime allowed the region and the world to be free from the danger, and rescued the Iraqi people from injustice.”

Abbas Abboud, editor-in-chief of Iraq’s al-Sabah daily, shares the same opinion. He told Al-Monitor, "[The elder Bush] had positive [character] traits that many US presidents don't have. His professional record is overflowing with political and security dossiers that were efficiently steered, particularly those relevant to Iraq.”