Few in Iraq mark war anniversary
- 11 years ago
It's not much of a memorial.
This is the spot in Baghdad where some ten years ago a statue of Saddam Hussein was torn down.
On April 9th 2003 U.S. forces swept into Baghdad, symbolizing an end to the dictator's rule. There were hopes of better times to come.
Not anymore.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI CITIZEN, ABU ABBAS, SAYING:
"I found out by accident that today is the anniversary of the regime's collapse and the U.S. invasion. What's changed? Nothing tangible has changed. Nothing has changed except that people can now express their opinion freely. Before, we could not say anything. The country is not stable. It is not OK."
Ordinary life is now marred by security and economic concerns.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI CITIZEN, RA'AD ABDULSTAR, SAYING:
"Actually today is a normal day for me. You might consider it an anniversary, but I don't. Look at the security situation -- the political situation and the deteriorating economy. The people are t
This is the spot in Baghdad where some ten years ago a statue of Saddam Hussein was torn down.
On April 9th 2003 U.S. forces swept into Baghdad, symbolizing an end to the dictator's rule. There were hopes of better times to come.
Not anymore.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI CITIZEN, ABU ABBAS, SAYING:
"I found out by accident that today is the anniversary of the regime's collapse and the U.S. invasion. What's changed? Nothing tangible has changed. Nothing has changed except that people can now express their opinion freely. Before, we could not say anything. The country is not stable. It is not OK."
Ordinary life is now marred by security and economic concerns.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI CITIZEN, RA'AD ABDULSTAR, SAYING:
"Actually today is a normal day for me. You might consider it an anniversary, but I don't. Look at the security situation -- the political situation and the deteriorating economy. The people are t