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RC, I don't know if you have read or posted this before, but it is a good read and an appreciative Iraqi. Be sure and click on the Omar has more link.

Anti-Terror Demonstrations in Iraq

November 29, 2003

There were demonstrations against terror in Baghdad yesterday. I don't know if they moved the date forward from some reason or if there are going to be more of these in Iraq on December 10th (the date which was originally planned). Omar has more:

This the first time I march in a demo. No one forced me, and I remembered the old days when we were obliged- by the tyrant's orders- to march in huge crowds in faked demos. crying out with his name and our love for our beloved leader. His security men used to be surrounding us, watching the expression on our faces and how damn unlucky a man is if they notice that he was not doing the desired effort (shouting loudly). We used to consider the police men as our enemies and there was even a proverb that says:" a police man will never see heaven" Today, we consider them our defenders and our brothers. they're sacrificing their lives tacking the front position to face the terrorists, they will definitely get rid of the bad reputation they earned in the past and they will learn to treat us respectfully, we're their brothers and our enemy doesn't distinguish between a civilian and a police man. I've been there, and I came back stronger with a deeper belief that there are others who care for us, and next time, the participation will be wider. Our victory in this challenge is a victory for all the honest, good and free people on earth.

Yes it is.

Posted by Shawn at November 29, 2003 02:36 PM | TrackBack

I found the following comment on Omar's blog to be particularly meaningful:

"After that one of my friends (a committed sheie Muslim) asked me gently: does it really grows inside you, this compassion with the USA?"
"I replied, if you mean the government of the USA then let me tell you that governments were made not to earn the love or hate of other people, but to protect it's citizens and serve their interests, which -I think-is exactly what the government of the USA doing. That’s why I respect this gov., however I do find inside me a growing love and gratitude to the American soldiers and citizens who continuously provide their money and efforts and even sacrifice their lives to protect their country, yes-but also for our freedom."

"Here, my friend said that he agrees with me but asked (do you believe that the American soldiers are here to set you free?)"
"Well, my answer was YES and I don't find it naive to say so, although I don't deny that many of them came out for duty or for some personal benefits, but I still can feel the love of the people and soldiers of the USA to do the best they can for the sake of other's freedom."