Were the Iraqi people in a better, more positive position in 1977, 1987, 1997 or 2007?

I'd like to ask that political Ms.Cleo wanna-be's leave their psychic predictions on the doorstep. America has a different president coming and I know many are excited, but that as nothing to do with this question. I'm asking to hear to hear thoughts on history and Saddam's impact on Iraq.