Feb. 5, 1998 While many Westerners view Saddam Hussein as a madman who is willing to risk war rather than allow international weapons inspectors reasonable access to Iraq, University of Oregon Middle East expert Shaul Cohen says Hussein is a hero in some parts of the Arab world. Cohen, a UO assistant professor of geography who studies Arab-Israeli relations, says Hussein is seen by some Arabs as the victor in the Gulf War. "Hussein went up against the most powerful country in the world, pitting his little army against the United States and its allies. He may have lost some battles, but he's still president, still in control of much of his country and is still pursuing his goals," Cohen says. "Some Arabs and others in the developing world admire him for that." If the United States launches bombing missions against Iraq in the current stand-off, Cohen says Hussein can still emerge as a hero. "He stands to enhance his reputation as an Arab leader who will resist foreign influence. The existence of ballistic weapons is not the critical issue for many people who admire Hussein's refusal to accede to foreign demands. In many respects this is a clash of principles and culture, and it has to be viewed in that context," according to Cohen. SOURCE: Shaul Cohen, UO assistant professor of geography, (541) 346-4500; e-mail, scohen@oregon.uoregon.edu. -30- #T-6058/Day