Walid Abu Me'eleq, the 35-year-old father, said he decided to choose the name of Saddam for his son, born four days ago, right after the US-led forces launched invasion of Iraq on March 20.

"Saddam Hussein is a national hero because he is the only Arab leader who is able to confront the superpower countries in the world which are trying to take him from his country," Me'eleq told Xinhua.

"I admire Saddam Hussein, because he and his people are alone confronting the strongest countries in the world," he said.

Expressing his sympathy, Me'eleq said he was worried that Saddam and his people are facing a tough war launched by the US-led forces.

He said he was angered by the war because it is threatening the lives of the innocent people.

He added that he believed US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair were already determined to invade Iraq long before the war actually began.

Me'eleq's feelings symbolize the general sentiment of people in the Palestinian territories, where Saddam Hussein has long enjoyed popularity for his staunch support to the Palestinians in their fight against Israeli occupation.

Since the war on Iraq began, Palestinian protesters have been holding massive rallies almost daily to show their support to Iraq. Pictures of Saddam and the Iraqi flag featured visibly in those protests. The Iraqi flag is also seen flying high on roofs of many shops and houses in the Palestinian territories.

Me'eleq also expressed his indignation toward the lack of unity among Arab leaders to prevent the US-led invasion of Iraq. "Iraqis are slaughtered every day on their lands amid the silence of the whole world's leaders," he said.

He said he hoped Saddam and the Iraqi people would win the war, because "Allah (God) would be to the side of the Iraqis because they are the believers."

However, Me'eleq admitted he had fears that his son would run into troubles after he grows up, especially with the Israelis "when he crosses Israeli checkpoints."

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2003)