[ArGee]

They will be our friends for as long as it helps them only.

Isn't that true of all political alliances? Look at Germany and France. Our goal must be to make it help them for a long, long time.

Shalom.

[TonyInOhio]

Sky New commentator says "everybody" has guns in Basrah.

Says footage last week showing people buying guns in Baghdad was misinterpreted - they weren't buying them to defend Saddam, but to help overthrow him when the time came.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

ANTI-SADDAM RIOTS IN BASRA

Rioting is taking place in Basra by locals opposed to Saddam Hussein, reports say.

Iraqi troops are reported to be firing on the rioters.

British forces are firing on Iraqi positions which are trying to crush the civilian uprising.

Reporter Richard Gaisford said intelligence from the city suggested that local people had indicated they would welcome the Allied forces but were in fear of Saddam loyalists.

"Now it seems they have had the courage to stand up to Saddam Hussein and his regime and they will be supported by British forces," Gaisford said.

More follows . . .

Last Updated: 17:53 UK, Tuesday March 25, 2003