Aside from the fact that he is a homicidal maniac, what did Saddam have against the Marsh Arabs? Anyone know? Were they closet Kurds or something?
Saddam saw they could create a market and live independent of him through fishing, trade, etc... he put a stop to it. Also historically those Muslims were actually friendly with other religions believe it or not!
They were independent minded.
...what did Saddam have against the Marsh Arabs?
From the Eden link:
Following the end of the Gulf War in 1991, the marsh dwellers were important elements in the uprising against Saddam Hussein’s regime. To end the rebellion, the regime implemented an intensive system of drainage and water diversion structures that desiccated over 90% of the marshes.