Posted on 11/27/2003 3:42:02 PM PST by jern
Baghdadis hail Bush surprise visit From correspondents in Baghdad 28nov03 ORDINARY Iraqis joined American soldiers today in hailing US President George W. Bush's surprise visit to Baghdad in which he fed 600 soldiers the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner at the city's airport.
"Why wouldn't he come here? He got rid of Saddam for us, we owe him," said Raad Turk Azab, a baker.
Sara Hassan who was peddling fruits in downtown Baghdad said she appreciated the US president's visit but echoed feelings shared by most Iraqis seven months after the US-led troops invaded Iraq.
He "should bring back security to the country, there is no security here", she complained.
"All those who want to visit Iraq are welcome," offered the 64-year-old woman.
Even those US soldiers who did not get the chance to meet the president gave the surprise visit a resounding thumbs-up.
"It was a good move because it shows support for troops here in Iraq on Thanksgiving," said Captain Chris Brown as he stood guard outside two Baghdad media hotels that were hit by a multiple rocket attack last week.
"Even though we didn't see him, one of my soldiers got to see him and this kind of carries over the company.
"It was a great risk. The DHL was hit a week ago, so that makes it even more appreciated," he said.
Just five days ago, a missile attack on a cargo jet belonging to the German-owned courier DHL forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing at Baghdad airport.
Staff Sergeant Josh Casto said Bush's visit would also be a major boost for Iraqis working with the coalition, some of them at great personal risk.
"It shows the Iraqi people that he believes in assisting them by coming here," he said.
But a few Iraqis were critical of the US commander in chief's visit to their country where reconstruction efforts are stalling and anti-coalition attacks flaring.
"Bush invaded Iraq on the pretence that we had weapons of mass destruction and it turned out to be a lie. Now he's destroying Iraq on the pretence that he has to capture Saddam," said Abdelsalem, the owner of an Internet cafe in the posh Mansur neighbourhood.
"He's a coward, he came here at night like a thief, he's afraid of the resistance," protested another man, refusing to identify himself.
Bush flew into Baghdad airport, which serves as the coalition's main base here, in the utmost secrecy, amid the persistent threat from surface-to-air missiles.
His visit lasted a mere two hours. No news of his presence here was released until Air Force One was safely back in the air.
It was an understatement, to be sure. ;o)
"...he may have been one of the lucky ones who would have been able to do what he wanted since it was 'his boy' in power."
I believe you've hit the nail on the head.
"Or a Democrat."
I agree, but isn't your sentiment just an exercise in redundancy?
Oh, and how was business at your INTERNET CAFE during Saddam's tenure, sir?
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