You think exactly like any individual who has never lived in a Muslim country. As opposed to you, I grew up in an area in India which was predominantly Muslim. My best childhood friends were Muslim kids. I had first hand exposure to their families, and their religious beliefs.
Saddam was simply trying to survive against a much stronger enemy, Iran. United States actually helped Saddam to stay in the fight with Iran.
Trump or any one else never said Saddam was an angel. But what Saddam was doing very effectively was keeping the Jihadi’s under control. And the Iran backed Shia under control.
In retrospect, I am amazed at the vision of Trump regarding post-Saddam Iraq.
Actually, I am convinced he missed it on every point but one. That one comment didn’t come from the interview at the top of the thread.
Was Iraq a direct threat to it’s neighbors after the war?
Was Iraq enmeshed in a broad civil war before ISIS blew through?
Had Iran over-run Iraq and taken land?
Was Iraq still threatening to destroy Israel?
Was the leader of Iran encouraging terrorism against the Untied States or other Western nations?
The answer to all those questions is no.