The last picture gets me....the one Iraqi hugging the soldier and the older man looking like he giving thanks and about to cry.
That can't be faked.
You know, not to be a wet blanket or anything, but I'm beginning to suspect that Arabs will wave and smile and shout for whomever they perceive to be most powerful at the time. I wonder if it means anything to them either way, whoever's the top dog, grin and show him your tummy, take what you can get and then get back out of way. If another dog comes and beats your top dog, better run up and lick his face, wag your tail, grin and show him your tummy.
Exempting, of course, those who've actually lost family members to torture and murder. But these folks way on the outskirts... how much contact did they ever have with the Ba'ath party?
Oh, I know, I'm just being a grouchy anti-Arab. But having seen them in action over the years I really DON'T have a warm, fuzzy feeling about any of them.