The spectacle of Saddam Hussein conducting politics by other means concentrates the mind wonderfully. His Arab brethren have more reason than ever to mistrust his claim to be their benevolent leader. The radicals of the region have a new incentive for moderation. Virtually every nation in the world that relies on oil from the gulf now realizes with fresh urgency the importance of restoring a balance of power there. Iran has served as a counterweight to Iraq before, and it could do so again. If Iran were to bring about the release of the hostages in Lebanon, it would be rewarded...
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