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The Baghdad regime is the first oil-producing government to opt for 100-per-cent nationalisation, a process completed with the acquisition of foreign assets in Basrah last December. It was the first to call for the use of oil as a political weapon against Israel and her backers. It gives strong economic and political support to the 'Rejection Front' Palestinians who oppose Arafat's conciliation and are currently trying to outface the Syrians in Beirut. And it has a leader - Saddam Hussain - who has sprung from being an underground revolutionary gunman to perhaps the first visionary Arab statesman since Nasser.

Christopher Hitchens#1

IraqGeopoliticsMiddle eastOilNationalism

About this quote

What does it mean?
Hitchens praises Saddam Hussein's nationalization and anti-Israel stance while framing him as a visionary Arab statesman.
In plain terms
Saddam nationalized oil and opposed Israel, making him a key regional leader.
What can you take from it?
Resource nationalism can elevate a leader's regional influence.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • international relations
  • policy review

Putting it to work

  • study oil policy
  • evaluate leadership
  • track alliances

Questions to consider

  • How does resource control shape politics?
  • When is nationalism positive?

Another view

The praise overlooks Saddam's authoritarian and violent history.

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