'Thank you, there's the door'

2003-04-10 20:33

Baghdad - The people of Baghdad on Thursday were still savouring their liberation by American troops, but said they will also be pleased to see them leave quickly.

After the ecstatic scenes the day before welcoming US marines rolling through the city centre and toppling President Saddam Hussein's most cherished statue, there were few outbursts of joy for the American guests on Thursday.

Many Baghdadis were outraged to watch US troops settle in at city intersections while their fellow Iraqis looted with impunity.

"We are free and I had my first fearless night in years," said Muafak Ali, a 30-year-old shop assistant.

"We thank the Americans for liberating us. But we want to see them replaced quickly by a government because the city is lawless right now. There are no police, there is only stealing."

As the United States talks about taking the reins for six months or more before handing over power to Iraqis, many in Baghdad said this first taste of freedom has been too sweet to give up already.

"I feel like I have been reborn. We are very happy. The Americans have liberated us, but now we need a purely Iraqi government that protects our freedoms," said Abdallah Jelem, a 30-year-old factory worker buying fruit at one of the stalls open for business in the Karada district of downtown Baghdad.

Amjad Saad, an interpreter, also had mixed feelings. "This is a bittersweet day," he said.

"It is happy because we have been freed from a brutal tyrant, but at the same time sad because a foreign army is occupying my country. I hope they will leave as soon as possible."

In the bakery where he works, Haidar Abed, 18, was nervous about what the future would bring.

"If they don't leave now, there will be a civil war because without a real government, people will fight among themselves. Look at what has already happened," he said, referring to the looting.

The city only slowly came back to life on Thursday with a few stores opening their metal shutters and cigarette vendors manning their stalls.

At the house of Saddam's favourite daughter, Hala, one of the looters takes a moment to speak to a journalist.

"I hate Saddam Hussein and I came to take what he stole from us. But if the Americans want to put an administration in place directly, we Iraqis will fight them," said Mohamad Haidari.

'We have lost our country'

Down the road, Mander Mohamad, a 68-year-old businessman, looks incensed by the advancing American troops.

"This is a very sad day. We have lost our country. The Americans want us to disappear from the map," he said.

"The Americans will never leave. They did not come here with troops like this to have a picnic. This is an occupation, pure and simple."

One of his neighbours, who asked not to be named, agreed.

"In seeing all these looters do what they want before their eyes, I suspect they will set up a government of thieves and outlaws. That is all that will change," he said.

These feelings of relief apprehension are widespread, with a clear mistrust of American intentions.

"They did not come to make us happy. They want to profit from our wealth. It would be great if Saddam disappeared forever, but I hope they won't put someone else in with another name to do what they want at the expense of our freedoms," said Salah Mohamad, a 39-year-old shopkeeper.

- AFX