VOICES OF FREEDOM [Quotes from the grateful Iraqi people - update]

White House Website -> Iraq -> Liberation Update ^ | July 22, 2003 - weekly (usually) | Various - press

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

 

For Immediate Release
July 22, 2003

Liberation Update

News accounts are painting vivid pictures of the joy and relief of free Iraqis, who are living without fear of Saddam's brutality and beginning to enjoy freedoms unknown for decades. These voices have been silenced for too long, but now they are heard inside Iraq and around the world.

For more personal stories of life under Saddam, visit Tales of Saddam’s Brutality.

VOICES OF FREEDOM

“On July 4, some shops and private homes in various parts of Iraq, including the Kurdish areas and cities in the Shiite heartland, put up the star-spangled flag as a show of gratitude to the United States.”
National Post (Canada), 7/22/03

Life Under Saddam Hussein

“Mobile phones rang Tuesday morning, ushering in the cellular era for Iraqis long deprived of the latest in information technology during their isolation under the fallen strongman Saddam Hussein.”
Agence France Presse, 7/22/03

“Thanks to them [the U.S. army] the security is good. Without them, people would be killing each other.”
Abdul Wahed Mohsen, in Iraq, Los Angeles Times, 7/22/03

“Even the blind can see what Saddam Hussein did, taking Iraq into so many wars and doing little even for this town, no sports club, no decent hotels.”
Wail al-Ali, Tikrit’s new mayor, The Guardian, 7/22/03

“Also, some 85 percent of primary and secondary schools and all but two of the nation's universities have reopened with a full turnout of pupils and teachers. The difference is that there no longer are any mukahebrat (secret police) agents roaming the campuses and sitting at the back of classrooms to make sure lecturers and students do not discuss forbidden topics. Nor are the students required to start every day with a solemn oath of allegiance to the dictator.”
National Post (Canada), 7/22/03

“A stroll in the open-air book markets of the Rashid Street reveals that thousands of books, blacklisted and banned under Saddam Hussein, are now available for sale. Among the banned authors were almost all of Iraq's best writers and poets whom many young Iraqis are discovering for the first time. Stalls, offering video and audiotapes for sale, are appearing in Baghdad and other major cities, again giving Iraqis access to a forbidden cultural universe.”
National Post (Canada), 7/22/03

“We don’t know who are those people who say that. They are outlaws. They just want to make problems.”
Abdul Wahed Mohsen, on anti-U.S. sloganeering in Iraq, Los Angeles Times, 7/22/03

“The Americans are giving the Iraqis the space to get our affairs in order.”
Sheikh Khalid Al-Nuami, a representative on the Najaf ruling council, Agence France Presse 7/21/03

“We are flying with happiness since Saddam is gone.”
Zahar Hassan, in Iraq, Agence France Presse, 7/21/03

“There’s more opportunity, more chances to earn money.”
Um Khalid, on life in post-Saddam Baghdad, The Christian Science Monitor, 7/21/03

“There is a lack of security, but psychologically, things are better, because freedom is nice.”
Ali Shaban, in Iraq, The Christian Science Monitor, 7/21/03

“Let the Americans stay, they protect us. I don’t see them hurting anyone.”
A mother living in Baghdad, The Christian Science Monitor, 7/21/03

“Before it was all about Saddam and his followers. Now there are different topics.”
Hassan Ali, on the Iraqi newspapers, The Christian Science Monitor, 7/21/03

“He [Uday] was a sick man, and he kept lions and tigers just to show his manhood, to show everyone that he cared more about animals than people. But he amputated their claws, and he took away their freedom, just like the people.”
Alaa Karim, a Baghdad zoo employee, The Washington Post, 7/21/03

“[Uday] was a bad man, and he used to beat the soccer players if they lost a game. I think he used to treat the lions better than the people.”
Mussab Ismas, a 13-year old boy, viewing Uday’s lions at the Baghdad zoo, The Washington Post, 7/21/03

“But the shock for a first time visitor to Iraq is that the destruction committed by Saddam’s tyranny is so much worse than advertised. … The most horrible damage on Iraqis was inflicted by Saddam himself. The Americans who are giving their lives to stop his Middle East Stalinism will end up saving many more lives.”
Wall Street Journal, 7/21/03

“I can see that the American soldiers are free. In our old army, we were always under pressure and strict military orders. There was tough punishment.”
Raad Mamoud, a former Iraqi soldier, USA Today, 7/21/03

“Before, I would not even say hello to them [Iraqi army officers]. We are all equal now. This is justice.”
Husham Berkal, an enlisted soldier in the former Iraqi army, USA Today, 7/21/03

“When I heard on the radio that the Baathists had seized power I was not surprised. I was hoping it would make the situation better but, well, you can see. I have hope that things will get better now, that the new government can get rid of all the problems.”
Abdul Karim al-Qaissi, a pharmacist in Baghdad, on the anniversary of the Baath Party’s seizing power, Agence France Presse, 7/17/03

“But I blame the Baath [for problems with security and infrastructure]. It’s not the Americans’ fault. I like the Americans.”
Nuri Mansour, in Baghdad, Agence France Presse, 7/17/03

“Iraqis were living a good life. We had security, jobs, people were getting paid. People used to get on and would help each other…”
Nuri Mansour, reflecting life before the Baath Party overthrew the Iraqi government in 1968, Agence France Presse, 7/17/03

“During the Baath Party’s time we didn’t see 1,000th of Iraq’s wealth come to us.”
Yasua, an Iraqi man in Baghdad, Agence France Presse, 7/17/03

“I hope Iraq comes back strong. I am in favor of the new government.”
Uday Kadhu, a Baghdad car salesman on the Iraqi archery team, Agence France Presse, 7/16/03

“The residents of glorious Fallujah suffered from the confiscation of freedom and the absence of justice under the dictatorial regime.”
A statement released by the “League of Fallujah Residents,” Agence France Presse, 7/16/03

“The Governing Council is a step towards building a free, democratic Iraq.”
Iraqi newspaper Al-Zawra, 7/15/03

“In our opinion, the most significant thing about the formation of the transitional Governing Council is that it includes important personalities that are known to the masses and that represent the different political, national, democratic and progressive forces, as well as independent political organizations and religious denominations.”
Iraqi newspaper Al-Manar, 7/15/03

“I felt that we had gone back to the year 1930. I feel that Iraq has started back from zero. We have wasted 75 years waiting to taste freedom.”
Hadid al-Gailani, after the Governing Council announced the abolition of Baathist holidays, The Boston Globe, 7/14/03

“I helped deliver thousands of Iraqi babies, and now I am taking part in the birth of a new country and a new rule based on women’s rights, humanity, unity and freedom.”
Raja Habib al-Khaza’i, the director of an Iraqi maternity hospital and a member of the Governing Council, Associated Press, 7/13/03

“The formation of this council which represents all sectors of Iraqi society is the birth of democracy in the country. It is better than Saddam’s government of destruction and dictatorship.”
Razzak Abdul-Zahra, a 35-year-old engineer in Baghad, Associated Press, 7/13/03

“The establishment of this council represents the Iraqi national will after the collapse of the dictatorial regime.”
Muhammad Bahr al-Ulum, a Shiite cleric on the Governing Council, Associated Press, 7/13/03

“This is a great day. It’s unbelievable.”
Yonadam Kanna, an Assyrian Christian on the Iraqi Governing Council, Associated Press, 7/13/03

“It’s a hard situation. But now that Saddam has fallen, it’s OK. We can wait for the future now.”
Muhammed Abdul al Sudani, the night watchman at a school in Baghdad, Baltimore Sun, 7/13/03

“Iraqis are looking forward to this day. They have been dreaming for so many years to have a government run by not only one man.”
Sherwan Dizayee, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Los Angeles Times, 7/13/03

“The building of a new Iraq shall remain among the first priorities of the good Iraqi people. It will require the participation of all Iraqis from all political and social strands who are willing to help accomplish this historic task.”
Mohammed Barhul Uloom, an 80-year-old Shiite who has returned to Iraq to serve on the new Governing Council, AFX News, 7/13/03

“Saddam is gone, he’s history, he’s never coming back.”
Mohammed Barhul Uloom, at the first meeting of the new Iraqi Governing Council, Agence France Presse, 7/13/03

“In our view, political life must not be based on ethnic, religious or sectarian considerations.” Adnan Pachachi, former Iraqi foreign minister and current member of the Governing Council, Agence France Presse,
7/13/03

“Farther down the block [in Baghdad], a new Internet cafe just opened three weeks ago—$3 an hour buys you a satellite link on a computer that runs Windows, and a shortcut to Yahoo! E-mail is already on the desktop.”
Winston-Salem Journal, 7/12/03

“He [Saddam] occupied Iraq for 25 years. It’s not important that the Americans are here. What is important is that they got rid of Saddam Hussein. Now I feel free.”
Fadil Emara, a shopkeeper in Baghdad, Agence France Presse, 7/12/03

“My optimism grows ten-fold every day. We’ve got a wonderful and brilliant future in front of us.”
Fadil Emara, a shopkeeper in Baghdad, Agence France Presse, 7/12/03

“In Saddam’s time, the mere act of pointing at something—a building, a person—risked attracting the attention of a secret policeman. Now people freely jab their index fingers on the streets. To a visitor returning, it’s something of a shock.”
Associated Press, 7/12/03

“It’s a dream for me to participate.”
Afrah Abas, an Iraqi archer competing in the 42nd World Archery Championships, Associated Press, 7/12/03

“We have been celebrating the Iraqi revolution and the fall of the kingdom every year. Today we combined the celebration with the fall of the second monarchy—the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein.”
Aladdin Sabih, an Iraqi living in the Czech Republic, Czech News Agency, 7/12/03

“Cutting through all the barriers of religion, culture, war and economics are stores filled with hundreds of pairs of high-heel pumps, clunky platforms and spiked heels in scores of styles. Other stores with similar numbers—but fewer styles—of men's and children's shoes are open for business.”
Winston-Salem Journal, 7/12/03

[lainde]

bttt

[princess leah]

Perhaps this will encourage many Iraqi people who have lived here in the US to return home and help rebuild their country! Ultimately, it is the Iraquis themselves who will stand or fall with a new government...

[beachn4fun]

(((Ping)))

we are always looking for good stories. I know you'll love these.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for the ping, beachn4fun

[StarfireIV]

This is wonderful. Anything and everything the left-wing loonies say about our involvement fails and crumbles like the childish reasoning which supported it.

[Rollee]

“Cutting through all the barriers of religion, culture, war and economics are stores filled with hundreds of pairs of high-heel pumps, clunky platforms and spiked heels in scores of styles. Other stores with similar numbers—but fewer styles—of men's and children's shoes are open for business.” Winston-Salem Journal, 7/12/03

The fact that shoes and clothes are getting stylish is good news. That means people are optimistic about their freedom, economy and individuality. Don't laugh, it's true. A good pair of cool shoes makes a woman feel much better.

[lowbridge]

bump

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

You might want to check the news links at the CENTCOM website. Stories about family members reunited after years of separation, Iraqis returning to Iraq to help rebuild the country - from the Marsh Arabs in the South to the Kurds in the north, and from many different nations actually get reported in the military news outlets.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Check out all the quotes, if you get a chance. They're wonderful....and go back to the first days of the war. They are updated every week (usually). Go to the WH website, click on 'Iraq' in the left column - and 'Liberation Update', the URL changes when they update the quotes, unfortunately.

You might want to click on "Tales of Saddam's Brutality" also at the 'Iraq' WH website.

"Here was a chance to stop and I clambered down, eager to get a first word from an Iraqi of what he thought of this whole affair. 'As salaam alekum,' I said in the traditional greeting, then ran out of Arabic and quickly added, 'Do you speak English?' No go. But with a fumbled exchange of gestures we slowly managed to communicate. Thumbs up for the American tanks, thumbs down for Saddam Hussein. Then he pointed north into the distance and said 'Baghdad.'"
Reuters, 3-21-03

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

A good pair of cool shoes makes a woman feel much better.

In honor of the end of the work week, free trade:

“We will be happy to get rid of Saddam’s face and this useless money.”
Hillal Sultan, an Iraqi moneychanger, Agence France Presse, 7/08/03

“We can’t train staff fast enough. People are desperate here for a neutral free press after 30 years of a totalitarian state.”
Saad al-Bazzaz, editor of the Azzaman Daily in Baghdad, The Independent (London), 7/08/03

“This guy [Uday] had nothing to do with journalism but he saw it as a powerful way of trying to control the minds of the Iraqi people. He knew very well that most journalists were not supportive of his father. By day they did their jobs quietly. … By night many worked against the regime.”
Saad al-Bazzaz, former head of Iraqi state television and current editor of the Azzaman Daily, The Independent (London), 7/08/03

“We were like a tightly covered pot which no one knew what it contained. Now that the cover has been removed, you can’t imagine what you will discover.”
Majed al-Ghazali, who now dreams of setting up a children’s music school in Iraq, Associated Press, 7/07/03

“We feel liberated. We’re very very happy.”
Dana Mohammed, manager of a fast food restaurant in Suleimaniyah, Chicago Tribune, 7/05/03

"It was a cruel system. We were living under terror and we all suffered from it. It was for our own survival not to talk about politics. We could not even discuss our personal problems openly.”
Balkis Al-Shamary, a clerk in an Iraqi shop, Agence France Presse, 7/03/03

“I like free discussions. I talk about these issues with my families and friends. This could never happen during the Saddam years.”
Maha Abrahim, owner of a wedding dress shop in Baghdad, Agence France Presse, 7/03/03

“During the Saddam years, we did not even have hopes. We were living only to survive. Now I have lots of dreams and hopes.”
Hansam Hassan, a pediatrician at Baghdad’s Al-Alwiya Children’s Hospital, Agence France Presse, 7/03/03

“The pictures of Saddam Hussein have been stripped from the yellowing walls of Baghdad’s cafes where men still getting used to the idea of life without his regime sit and discuss the ‘New Iraq.’”
Agence France Presse, 6/27/03

"[Sami] Qaftan said he is preparing an Iraqi version of the 1960 drama ‘The Confused Sultan,’ by Egyptian author Toufic al-Hakim. The story revolves around a leader who is given a choice between using the rule of law or the sword to prevent his people from criticizing him. Qaftan said the play’s obvious parallels to Saddam Hussein’s regime made it impossible to stage until now.”
Associated Press, 6/25/03

“It gives me an immense sense of hope. Being here and seeing so many other people here signifies that, despite everything, life goes on.”
Shafeeq al-Mahdi, an Iraqi playwright at a performance at the al-Rashid Theater in Baghdad, Associated Press, 6/25/03

“Liberated from 35 years of stilted official TV glorifying Saddam Hussein, Iraqis are snatching up satellite dishes by the thousands. Cartoons, fitness programs, movies and commercials are flooding into Iraqi living rooms. These days, in fact, when a favorite show comes on, Iraqis on rooftops yell to neighbors to alert them.”
Associated Press, 6/25/03

“We’re like the blind who have been offered the gift of sight.”
Mahabat Ahmad, an Iraqi who recently acquired satellite television, Associated Press, 6/25/03

“They’re buying them [satellites] like they buy bread. They say they’re buying freedom.”
Mohammed al-Mulla, a worker at an Iraqi electronics store, Associated Press, 6/25/03
“They [the news staff] never had a chance to do their own stories. There was no room for creativity.” Ahmad al-Rikaby of the Iraqi Media Network, Associated Press, 6/25/03

“As all industries are frozen, the Iraqis are now importing all kinds of things to make money. We are also no longer afraid that some official will force us to become partners and take part of our revenue.”
Muhsin Saadoun, operator of a taxi company and importer of cars in Baghdad, Agence France Presse, 6/22/03

“It was very expensive for Iraqis to buy cars and so the country was full of very old cars. The Iraqis now want to enjoy new cars.”
A salesman in Iraq, Agence France Presse, 6/22/03

“I will run for mayor. Because we have freedom.”
Dhirgham Najem, a 23-year-old busboy in Najaf, The New York Times, 6/22/03

“Owning or selling such songs was punishable by a one-and-a-half year prison sentence under Saddam. After being oppressed for 35 years, we are now scrambling to grab these songs, to which we listen with impunity.”
Ahmad, whose shop in Baghdad is selling large amounts of previously banned Shiite music, Agence France Presse, 6/18/03

“This is the freedom exhibition. I’m flying now.”
Mohammed Rasim, a 29-year-old Iraqi artist who was finally able to show his paintings in an exhibit once Saddam fell, Associated Press, 6/18/03

“Dr. Mowafak Gorea, director of the newly named Thawra Hospital in Baghdad (it used to be Saddam Hospital), believes the radical Shiites may get the attention, but everyone from Communists to Christians to unemployed engineers is doing the same thing: venting after decades of tyranny so suffocating that parents couldn’t speak freely at home for fear their children might repeat something damning at school.”
Associated Press, 6/18/03

“Why call us occupied? We are liberated.”
Mohammed Hanash Abbas, co-owner of Iqra’a bookstore in Baghdad, Associated Press, 6/17/03

“America has shown us compassion we never had from Saddam or fellow Arabs.”
Attallah Zeidan, co-owner of a small bookstore in Baghdad, Associated Press, 6/17/03

“When I leave my job at night, I am very happy, very proud about myself. We must help the Americans, and show them our traditions.”
Suhair Karmasha, the first Iraqi woman to work with the Americans at Baghdad’s city hall, The Washington Post, 6/17/03

“In a nation where the secret police often used threats against family members to blackmail citizens, many people didn’t want to extend their families and give Saddam’s agents even more leverage over their lives. But now on Thursday evenings, hotels across Baghdad are pulsing with the beat of traditional drums and the shouts and songs of relatives welcoming honeymooning couples.”
USA Today, 6/17/03

“It was only an Arabic ten-pin bowling competition, but last week's tournament in the Gulf emirate of Qatar marked Iraq's first foray back into the international sporting arena since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein two months ago. Mahmood Abbas, the country's leading taekwondo coach, cannot wait to follow suit. Now, for the first time for nearly two decades, Iraqi players and trainers have no need to fear beatings or imprisonment if they fail to secure a high finish in an international competition or if one of their team-mates defects on an overseas trip.”
London Daily Telegraph, 6/15/03

"We broke the dams when the Iraqi army left. We want to teach our children how to fish, how to move on the water again."
Qasim Shalgan Lafta, a Marsh Arab and former fisherman who helped restore the water to the Iraqi wetlands that Saddam had destroyed, Chicago Tribune, 6/13/03

"We're trying to show the world that Iraqis have a great culture."
Hisham Sharaf, directing the Baghdad Symphony Orchestra in its first performance since the war, Agence France Presse, 6/12/03

"I am Ahmed Hassan. Five members of my family were executed. I came here in order to help this neighborhood."
Ahmed Hassan, giving his candidacy speech for the district-wide council in Iraq, Los Angeles Times, 6/12/03

"Ibrahim Kadhim. I could not be appointed a teacher because I was not a member of the Baath Party so I worked as a merchant. I'd like to work on this committee to help set aside the past."
Ibrahim Kadhim, giving his candidacy speech for the district-wide council in Iraq, Los Angeles Times, 6/12/03

"The last few years have been a struggle for Iraq's leading boy band, the not unmemorably named Unknown To No One. Forced to rehearse in their car and record birthday greetings for Saddam Hussein rather than the love ballads they favor, the band members had difficulty finding their voice. But after the U.S.-led war that ousted Saddam, things are looking up."
Associated Press, 6/12/03

"We are so happy, not just for the contract, but to work again in our country with our people and our equipment to help rebuild our country."
Loay Ibrahim Al-Saied, an Iraqi engineer whose company received a contract to construct a highway bypass, PR Newswire European, 5/30/03

“Freedom means to travel, to get the job I want, to study in the college I want.”
Ahmed al-Samarai, a citizen of Iraq, Associated Press, 5/29/03

“Every day in Iraq a few more newspapers start publishing, taking advantage of the first freedom of speech most Iraqis have ever known.”
The Times (London), 5/20/03

"The Iraqi teams used to produce the champions of Asia in many sports. They have declined since the arrival of Uday. Now we want to rebuild them with the help of the international community."
Sharar Haydar, president of the newly formed Free Iraq Olympic Group and one of Uday Hussein's former torture victims, The Guardian (London), 5/15/03

"They couldn't leave one job for another without having both a letter from their old employer releasing them from their job and another letter from their new employer accepting them. It blows their minds when we tell them they should just do what they want, they don't need our permission or anybody else's to change jobs."
Sgt. Mark Hadsell, describing some Iraqis’ difficulties with freedom after living in a under Saddam Hussein, Scripps Howard News Service, 5/14/03

"Beautiful, beautiful. Not Iraqi TV. Not Saddam Hussein TV. Beautiful."
Akhbal Ibrahim Rashid watching her satellite dish-equipped television, Los Angeles Times, 5/9/03

"We want to know everything, not just about Iraq but about the whole world. Sales are very good. What was prohibited is wanted."
Amir abu Abdullah, an overnight dish salesman whose shop is his battered 1982 Chevrolet Celebrity, Los Angeles Times, 5/9/03

"The first time in my whole life I've seen such things. I feel free."
Yasir Abdul Razaq, 20, said while watching British news, Israeli news and a program from Abu Dhabi about lions, Los Angeles Times, 5/9/03

"Watching the armed men stride past her bread stall, 60-year-old Lulwa Alwan gave a toothless smile. ‘They are welcome,’ she said as she flattened balls of dough with both palms. A 30-year resident of the area, Alwan said during Saddam's regime, police would stay on the periphery of the (Hayyaniyah) housing area and avoid walking through a crime-ridden neighborhood altogether. ‘They were afraid,’ she said, sniffing dismissively. ‘We hope these soldiers will stay here for a long time.’"
Associated Press, 5/7/03

"We are happy, so happy. For us, this is the real meaning of freedom."
Basim Hajar, coauthor and director of a play criticizing Saddam Hussein’s regime performed in a building where -- before the war -- only works sanctioned by the government were allowed. Los Angeles Times, 5/5/03

"You cannot imagine what it means for us to be here on this national stage, where everything we stand for was forbidden. Now it is ours."
Oday Rashid, an Iraqi musician and documentary filmmaker, Los Angeles Times, 5/5/03

"I saw the world for the first time. I saw where we were. I saw presidents and cities and people from everywhere! The whole world!"
School Principal Bushra Cesar, after buying a satellite TV dish, New York Times, 5/4/03

"Before, so many books were forbidden -- anything that didn’t agree with the regime. Which means practically everything that was ever printed!"
Imad Saad, a teacher selling books at a Baghdad street market, Los Angeles Times, 5/3/03

"Now, everyone is talking and talking and talking, without worrying, and without stopping. About absolutely everything."
Mohammed Hishali, Café proprietor in Baghdad, Los Angeles Times, 5/3/03

"We will keep on somehow. Now we have the most important thing that we need. There is no one to stop us from saying anything we want onstage."
Basim Hajar, coauthor and director of a play criticizing Saddam Hussein’s regime performed in a building where -- before the war -- only works sanctioned by the government were allowed. Los Angeles Times, 5/5/03

"Before, if I had sold this, they would have cut my head from my body."
Imad Saad, selling a copy of an opposition-run paper, Los Angeles, 5/3/03

"A 30-year-old secretary in Baghdad named Lina Daoud ponders what lies ahead. Her words come out as pastel bubbles: ‘We want a happy future, we want technology, we want freedom, we want everything.'"
Washington Post, 4/25/03

[Rollee]

Thank you for the post! These people are inspiring. God bless them and their new found freedom.

[windchime]

“Farther down the block [in Baghdad], a new Internet cafe just opened three weeks ago—$3 an hour buys you a satellite link on a computer that runs Windows, and a shortcut to Yahoo! E-mail is already on the desktop.”
Winston-Salem Journal, 7/12/03

They are all wonderful quotes, but this is the one that is probably closest to every FReeper's heart!

Thanks for posting, RC!

[VOA]

bump

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Isn't that great!?

This one gives me goosebumps:

"It was not the usual start to a new school term. ‘Open your books and turn to page four,’ the teacher instructed the pupils sitting in the gloom of an unlit classroom. Obediently they flicked through the pages until they reached the familiar photograph of a smiling Saddam Hussein standing in front of an Iraqi flag. ‘Now rip it out,’ the teacher said, to the astonishment of her pupils."
The Times (London), 5/14/03

If only the press would use their talent for good more often. (^;

[windchime]

Thanks for drawing my attention to this one!

Can't you just picture it?! She told them of their new freedom in four little words.

[Valin]

“We’re like the blind who have been offered the gift of sight.”
Mahabat Ahmad, an Iraqi who recently acquired satellite television, Associated Press, 6/25/03

Your welcome. Glad to be of service.

[Skywalk]

This is more than heartwarming, it's epic, it's historic, it's beautiful and brings tears to my eyes.

Whatever history may record(the left seems to write the version it wants) the Truth is that the United States and its allies accomplished something that should be put into epic poetry and song, something that should be the fuel for films for decades. Now, that may not end up happening or perhaps in our little redoubt here, the Truth will find refuge.

But all that matters is that WE know, and THEY, the Iraqis, know.

[MeekOneGOP]

Wow. You always find the best stuff ! Great post. Thanks!

Earlier Thread of Iraq War Pics that Diogenesis posted!
Great pictures there of Iraqis being Liberated !!

"Beat it, Saddam !" . . .

In Umm Qasr, heroes AND Iraqis remove portraits of Saddam.

April 8th Thread of Iraq War Pics

Credit to Eternal Vigilance for this caption on the USO Canteen (#117):

The Fruit of the Resolute

"Great victories come only to those who never waver
No matter how loudly the enemies of freedom may mock
Who see the path of duty, and follow it to the very end
God bless our President on this day
He will be known forever as 'the Liberator of Iraq'!"

[MeekOneGOP]

And, more recently . . .

Saddam sons killed in loo [bathroom]

$30 Million worth of trash

Uday Hussein, left, and Qusay Hussein

PMSNBC link to a Video of the pics. Leave it PMSNBC to hunt down some Iraqis that don't believe it's Uday and Qusay, thus discrediting our forces and the Bush administration. Typical. (Note: They have actually taken THAT video off now! Other videos linked now).

They're dead, Jim.