[Jerusalem Post] Barry Rubin - Saddam was really a king. His intention was to pass down power to his son, to create a republican monarchy. This is what happened in Syria, where Hafez I left the throne to Bashar I. What is most important is how Saddam is interpreted. To many, the great majority that accepts radical Arab nationalism and even lots of Islamists, Saddam is basically a hero. He fought America; he fought Israel. If this is what prevails, then there is no hope for the Arabic-speaking world. For in that case, Saddam's mismanagement, wasteful wars, murder, torture, and intimidation are simply not important. And if these things do not matter, they will continue to be repeated and exalted.
2007-01-01 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive