November 8, 2002. Copyright, 2002, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Key players in Middle East melting pot: George W. Bush, United States
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, November 8, Graphic News:  For George ÒDubyaÓ Bush the world is Dodge City and itÕs up to the good cowboy to stop the baddie with the black moustache. For Bush President Saddam is an ÒoutlawÓ whose ÒevilÓ regime threatens the free world, led by the United States. (Sceptics point out that Bush talked about wanting Osama bin Laden Òdead or aliveÕ, and got neither). All the best cowboys have the forces of good on their side and Bush has talked about war on Iraq as a ÒcrusadeÓ against Òevil-doersÓ. Al Gore, beaten to the presidency by Bush in controversial circumstances two years ago, suggested there was a fatal flaw in BushÕs approach to foreign affairs, saying: ÒThere is ample reason for taking out Saddam but before you ride out after Jesse James, you ought to get your posse together.Ó But Bush seems to believe that great leaders ought to go it alone. The latest United Nations resolution sets out a timetable that gives Saddam until early January before it will endorse military action, but Bush has already made it plain that he will circumvent the global body if necessary, saying: ÒIf the UN wonÕt act (on Saddam), we will lead a coalition to disarm him.Ó Now that his Republican Party has gained control of Congress, his hand has been greatly strengthened at home. But what are his deeper motives? He insists that war on Iraq is part of a wider campaign against terror. Cynics claim the U.S. president just wants to get his hands on Middle East oilfields, or perhaps avenge an assassination attempt on his father in 1993. Some say he just wants to outdo Bush Sr., whose 1991 Gulf War failed to oust Saddam. In which case, heÕd get to repeat one of his famous ÒBushismsÓ: ÒThey misunderestimated me.Ó 
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