In Jordan: An Interview with King Hussein

King Hussein of Jordan, a strong ally of Iraq, received Time Inc. Senior Editor Murray J. Gart and TIME Correspondent Dean Brelis last week in his private office on the ground floor of Basman Palace, overlooking Amman. Hussein, who ascended to the Hashemite throne in 1953, has survived a dozen attempts on his life to become the region's senior leader. Generally regarded as a moderate, he has maintained close ties to the U.S., even though he rejected the 1978 Camp David accords on the grounds that they did not go far enough toward solving the Palestinian problem. At 46, Hussein remains physically trim; what is left of his hair has turned gray, edged with pure white. Like the King's British-style mustache, his English during the hourlong interview was crisp, neat and unambiguous. Excerpts:

Q. How worried are you about Iran's design sin Iraq?

A. President Saddam Hussein is a man of vision and integrity. I always have the feeling I am dealing with a friend I can trust. We may disagree on what the best course is, but we somehow arrive at an amicable decision or compromise. I really believe Iraq is very, very important to the future of the entire area. It is the route to Saudi Arabia, the gulf, to the heart of the region.

Q. Should the gulf states be nervous about the Iran-Iraq war?

A. There is a possibility of a division between the Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. I believe this would be more devastating than anything else in this area. This [Islamic fundamentalist] movement takes its direction from Tehran, and it is like a tidal wave. Eventually it will disappear. But what damage it can cause in this area! It could take many governments with it. It would really bring this area closer to what we see happening everywhere [violent upheaval], unless the majority of Arabs stand up and face up to it.

Q. Are the Soviets using the Iran-Iraq war to move Into the area?

A. There seem to be two forces working to bring about this result, this polarization. At this stage, Iran has been receiving help from Israel on the one hand. On the other hand, it has been receiving Soviet-made equipment from countries in the area [such as Syria]. We know full well that the Soviets, as is the case with the U.S., would not permit any country to move military equipment to another country except with their approval. We know this because we had to sign such agreements.

Q. To what extent is the U.S. involved?

A. The U.S. is not directly involved. Israel is involved. But the U.S. is involved because of a lack of clarity of vision of what is at stake and of what Israel is doing on behalf of the U.S.

Q. What is at stake for the Arabs?

A. Our identity, our past and our link with our future generations—their freedom and their right to live as Arabs in their own part of the world. One sees many attempts, be it on this side or the other, to divide people into weak minorities, then into conflict and frustration. So we stand by Iraq because this is our future as well.

Q. What can the U.S. do?