The U.S.-Iraq standoff

Punctual and predictable Saddam Hussein has war prospects in mind again. This time, however, he faces a different (President Bill) Clinton from the one in August.

Clinton is now a very strong opponent. He's no longer suspected of trying to downplay the (Monica Lewinsky) scandal by launching military operations. Instead, he has renewed his impeccable credentials as peacemaker between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Now he intends to settle the bill left by (former President George) Bush, who ordered victorious Gulf troops to end fighting, thus leaving Saddam's ambitions and repressive army intact.

Everything indicates that, this time, Saddam will not get away with a compromise at the 11th hour.

The Saudis are behind Clinton on their path toward reconciliation with the West as is Europe, led by leftist governments that do not want to appear disloyal and hesitant at the first ordeal by fire. Faced with Clinton's wrath, Saddam has nothing to protect his people from the consequences of his still more atrocious and hopeless "bluffs".

-- La Republica, Rome