As Saddam Hussein consolidates his power
His nation sits upon a "lake of oil," boasted Saddam Hussein al Takriti last weekreferring to Iraq's estimated proven reserves of more than 32 billion bbl. Largely because of that petrol power, Iraq is emerging as a political force in the Middle East after years of xenophobic isolationism. The country's increasing importance was underscored by a visit to Baghdad last month by Jordan's King Hussein for discussions on a comprehensive Middle East peace settlement. Other recent callers have included French Premier Raymond Barre, British Foreign Secretary...