Sacha Baron Cohen to Play Saddam Hussein

First, Sacha Baron Cohen was accused of perpetuating British racial stereotypes with his character Ali G.

Then, with the aid of fictional Kazakhstani journalist Borat Sagdiyev, he introduced his controversial style of comedy to the United Sates.

Now, in the same week it became undeniable that Tony Blair took Britain to war in Iraq illegally, the London-born comedian has announced plans to play executed leader Saddam Hussien in a new Hollywood spoof.

Cohen, 39, will co-write and star in The Dictator, an adaptation of romance novel Zabibah and the King, allegedly written by Hussein.

Borat director Larry Charles will direct the film, due out in May 2012.