Short Answer 
Saddam Hussein used weapons of mass destruction to suppress Kurdish and Shia populations in Iraq as a means to maintain control and address rebellions against his regime. His notorious actions, particularly the Halabja attack, highlighted his brutal strategy for consolidating power through violence, ultimately resulting in significant consequences for the country’s political stability.
Step 1: Understand the Context of Saddam Hussein’s Rule
Saddam Hussein, a Sunni Muslim leader, governed Iraq, which included a significant number of Kurdish and Shia Muslims. His regime was marked by a need to suppress these diverse populations to maintain control and prevent any challenges to his authority. The use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) was a tool for enforcing loyalty and instilling fear among the people.
Step 2: Recognize the Reasons Behind Chemical Weapons Use
Hussein’s decision to deploy chemical weapons against the Kurdish people and Shia Muslims stemmed from ongoing rebellions and dissent against his rule. Notable incidents, like the Halabja attack in 1988, were direct responses to Kurdish uprisings during the Iran-Iraq War. Additionally, after the Gulf War in 1991, the Shia population’s revolts prompted brutal military retaliation from Hussein’s government.
Step 3: Acknowledge the Consequences of His Actions
The use of WMD against both the Kurdish and Shia groups exemplified Saddam Hussein’s broader strategy to quash opposition and consolidate his power through violence. By implementing extreme measures to suppress any signs of rebellion, Hussein aimed to maintain dominance in a politically fragmented Iraq. This cycle of violence was integral to his approach to governance and stability.