Fireworks over Baghdad as Iraqis take over cities

Yahoo /AP ^ | 06/29/2009 | KIM GAMEL and PATRICK QUINN

[EagleUSA]

BAGHDAD – Iraqi forces assumed formal control of Baghdad and other cities Tuesday after American troops handed over security in urban areas in a defining step toward ending the U.S. combat role in the country. A countdown clock broadcast on Iraqi TV ticked to zero as the midnight deadline passed for U.S. combat troops to finish their pullback to bases outside cities.

"The withdrawal of American troops is completed now from all cities after everything they sacrificed for the sake of security," said Sadiq al-Rikabi, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. "We are now celebrating the restoration of sovereignty."

The Pentagon did not offer any comment to mark the passing of the deadline.

Fireworks, not bombings, colored the Baghdad skyline late Monday, and thousands attended a party in a park where singers performed patriotic songs. Loudspeakers at police stations and military checkpoints played recordings of similar tunes throughout the day, as Iraqi military vehicles decorated with flowers and national flags patrolled the capital.

"All of us are happy — Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds on this day," Waleed al-Bahadili said as he celebrated at the park. "The Americans harmed and insulted us too much."

Al-Maliki declared a public holiday and proclaimed June 30 as "National Sovereignty Day."

[EagleUSA]

How long before we have to re-fight the Battle of Baghdad?? Or will we??

[HungarianGypsy]

They can fight for themselves next time, since we’re so evil.

[Mark was here]

Waleed al-Bahadili said as he celebrated at the park. "The Americans harmed and insulted us too much."

Well there is one guy who is grateful that Saddam is gone. /s

One has to wonder what chance the Iraqis would have rebelling against Saddam, compared to what the Iranians are looking at now.

[paulycy]

I, for one, have no real problem with them celebrating their sovereignty. They need to establish a national identity and loyalty among the various tribes and sects.

We still have 130,000 troops there. No matter what you call them or classify them as they will still help keep Iran and Syria at bay and squelch various terrorist uprisings.

I just wish that zer0 had enough... whatever... to thank our soldiers and support services even if he won’t give Petraeus & GWB the credit they deserve for the successful surge and the resultant peace and predictable timetable for withdrawal.

Will we have to go back? G-d knows.

[Riodacat]

"The Americans harmed and insulted us too much."

You're welcome. It was an honor for us to spend our way into bankruptcy for the priviledge of insulting you.

[Domandred]

"The Americans harmed and insulted us too much."

Frak you. Next time call the French, not us.

[Billthedrill]

I’m guessing Waleed doesn’t remember the shredder rides. Ah, well, never expect gratitude and you’ll never be disappointed.

[Plutarch]

You're welcome. It was an honor for us to spend our way into bankruptcy for the privilege of insulting you.

What's worse is the privilege given to all the Democrats getting elected by an electorate soured on the war. We give Iraq freedom, but our country gets debt, Democrats, depression and a dunderhead-in-chief.

[sionnsar]

"The Americans harmed and insulted us too much."
You're welcome. It was an honor for us to spend our way into bankruptcy for the priviledge of insulting you.

It's from AP. Don't expect truth, honesty, or that ANYTHING quoted therein was actually said by anybody to anybody. The American press are proven liars.