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Article: Iraq Benefiting From Standoff; Bombing Could Strengthen Saddam Hussein's Hand, Analysts Say
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- February 14, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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To many in the West, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's
defiance of U.N. weapons inspections looks like reckless
brinkmanship, an exercise in self-delusion that could well culminate
in a punishing U.S.-led air attack on the pillars of his regime.
Such characterizations, however, ignore the benefits that
already have accrued to the Iraqi leader during his latest standoff
with Washington -- and the distinct possibility that an inconclusive
bombing campaign could actually strengthen his grip on power,
according to Arab officials and analysts and European diplomats in
the region.
As a result of the latest crisis, Saddam Hussein has
enhanced diplomatic ties between Iraq and other ...