Kristol said Hussein does not necessarily have to be killed, but his government must be removed from power.

"The Iraqis could have a much more democratic, much more free government," Kristol suggested, arguing that the United States has taken a "modest" stance on intervening in the affairs of other nations and that "we could be a much more active force."

On the issue of whether to remove the embargo with Cuba by the year 2000, Kristol did not take a definitive stance.

Regarding the domestic issue of affirmative action, Kristol said he thinks "affirmative action is on its last legs," a remark which elicited much applause from the audience.

He expressed concern that affirmative action is a form of racial preference and said credit should be based on the overcoming of obstacles, not race.

Following the opening ceremonies, Kristol said of HMC, "I think it's a worthwhile endeavor and it gave me an excuse to see some friends in Cambridge."

He also said he is "extremely heartened to hear that grapes have returned to Harvard."

Andi Goldman, manager of catering and conventions at the Park Plaza Hotel, said coordinating the event took months. But during a typically slow month for hotels, Goldman said, "It's great business."

The Harvard Model Congress is occupying nearly every meeting space in the hotel over the weekend and about 400 of the hotel's 960 rooms--at $145 to $160 each, according to Goldman.