Word: arabism
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...Arabs fully understand this historic shift from containment to construction. They see that pan-Arab reformation is the deepest meaning of an American entry into Iraq. That is why the Arab League so strenuously opposes the intervention. The rulers of the 22 Arab states--not a single one freely elected--understand that Iraq is only the beginning and that reformation ultimately spells their end. Not a happy prospect for them, but a real hope for their long-repressed peoples--and for those threatened by the chaos and fanaticism bred in that cauldron of repression...
...appreciate the cash he doles out to families of suicide bombers. But 13 years later, it's hard to ignore the fact that apart from the Scud attacks on Israel, Saddam's military campaigns have always targeted fellow Muslims--Iranians, Kuwaitis and even Iraqi Kurds and Shi'ites. Arabs are also more aware of Saddam's tyranny, thanks to the Internet and Arab satellite channels, information sources that did not exist during the last gulf crisis...
...what a romance it was! From Morocco to Bahrain, many Arabs a decade ago would practically swoon as they described their adoration of the man who defied America during the gulf crisis. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was the valorous knight, defender of the Arab cause. Arab nationalists debated whether he bore a closer resemblance to Bismarck or to Saladin. In widespread pro-Iraq protests, the refrain in the streets was "With our blood, our souls, we will sacrifice for Saddam!" Some Arabs even swore they saw the face of Saddam on the surface of the moon...
...While Arab public opinion is running strongly against a new American war on Iraq, there are few such tender embraces of Saddam these days. Protesters stress their support for Iraq's people but, conspicuously, not its leader. Al-Jazeera, the most widely watched Arab satellite TV channel, emphasizes criticism of American policy instead of flogging Saddam's line. What apologists there are for Saddam cast him as a victim rather than a hero. Meanwhile, more Arabs are finding the courage to speak out against him. "We want to end the terrible silence and break the false image that Arabs...
...region is still bracing for a fresh wave of anti-Americanism should war come, especially given existing anger over U.S. support for Israel in its struggle with the Palestinians. However, it is a common view in Arab capitals that public resentments could be contained if the U.S. assault is surgical and swift. And if the U.S. does choose war, Washington's Arab allies--despite a lot of preliminary balking--are almost sure to offer support in one form or another...