Saddam's Pupil

According to diplomatic observers, one of the most disturbing aspects of the current crisis in Kosovo is how much Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic seems to have learned from Saddam Hussein.

For years, while the Iraqi dictator pursued his policy of "cheat and retreat," violating the terms of various treaties but pulling back just before he could be punished, diplomats have openly worried that other rogue heads of state might follow his example.

Like Saddam, Milosevic has often appeared to negotiate, while continuing to pursue the very campaigns - against Bosnia or in Kosovo - which the United States and others were trying to get him to stop. But by seeming to cooperate, Milosevic could rely on support from allies such as Russia. He'd then make even more headway and be left with a better negotiating position.

Like Saddam, Milosevic also seemed to believe that most of the United States' threats were empty. U.S. diplomats might warn Saddam that serious consequences would follow some infraction of his, but they didn't necessarily follow through. Milosevic heard a lot of similar threats, with similar consequences. Once the shooting starts, both leaders are convinced the U.S. has no taste for blood and will never escalate to the point where ground troops are necessary.

NATO can be grateful that, in the Kosovo conflict, the Muslims are Milosevic's enemies. Otherwise, we might have to contend with an unholy alliance between Saddam and his pupil.