Denmark's Man in Iraq

Denmark's ambassador to Syria since 1999 speaks 12 languages fluently, including Arabic. A Muslim convert, the 61-year-old worked for over 30 years with the Danish foreign service in several Arab countries as well as in Rwanda, Angola, Chile, Peru and the Philippines.

His appointment was championed by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, since British troops currently control the region, and his Danish counterpart Per Stig Moeller, who said that Olsen knew the Arab world "to his fingertips" and would "create the foundation of the new Iraq." His selection is seen as a token of U.S. gratitude for Denmark's support for the controversial invasion of Iraq -- Denmark's first formal participation in a war since the German-Danish war of 1864.

Less hostility

Denmark sent a submarine and escort ship to the Gulf as part of the coalition's war effort and is now involved in plans for the postwar redevelopment of Iraq. Denmark is currently considering leading a 3,000-strong, mainly Eastern European, peacekeeping force.

Per Stig Moeller described Olsen's background as an advantage, and said most believed a Danish leader would meet less resistance than an American or Briton who the Iraqis consider as occupying forces. "The British wanted the best man for the job and that's who they've got," he told Danish Radio. "It's an exciting and dangerous assignment and it seems clear that a Dane, who is also a Muslim, is less likely to encounter resistance and hostility from the Iraqi population than a representative of the former colonial power Great Britain."

A Bedouin in Brogues

A keen traveller and adventurer, Olsen is married to an Algerian doctor and has two daughters who are now in their twenties. He's widely regarded as a determined and energetic man -- he apparently made the 900 kilometer pilgrimage from Riyadh to Mecca in one week by bicycle. For 20 years he's been a member of the Danish Adventurer's Club, which organizes alternative travel -- such as trips through Afghanistan in a double-decker bus. In characteristic fashion, Olsen refused the offer of an armored vehicle and bodyguards during his mission in southern Iraq.

Sometimes described as a "Beduoin in brogues," he's said that his familiarity with Arabic culture and customs will help facilitate his work, pointing out that "compared to others without my experience, it will be easier for me to develop good relations with the people we encounter."

It is not yet clear when Olsen will take up his post, but his appointment as "regional coordinator" is initially expected to last six months. He's the only European among the four heads overseeing the early stages of Iraq's reconstruction -- the others are all American.