Iraqis greet handover with joy, disbelief

[seemslikeadream]

Iraqis greet handover with joy, disbelief

U.S. transfer of sovereignty came early, but some have trouble believing Americans are really gone, PATRICK MARTIN reports.

By PATRICK MARTIN
Tuesday, June 29, 2004 - Page A27

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BAGHDAD -- As Canadians chose a new government yesterday, Iraqis had one chosen for them: The handover of authority from the U.S.-led coalition was unexpectedly moved up 48 hours, apparently to pre-empt any insurgent attacks.

At 10:17 a.m. local time, with no warning, Paul Bremer, the U.S. head of the coalition authority, and David Richards, Britain's special representative, called on interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi inside the capital's heavily fortified "green zone." Presenting a folder to Iraqi Supreme Court judge Medhat Mahmud, Mr. Bremer said that with this document "the occupation will end."

Within two hours, both Mr. Bremer and Mr. Richards had left the country. Shortly afterward, Mr. Allawi and interim President Ghazi Ajil al-Yawar were sworn in to office.

Mr. Allawi called it a happy and historic occasion.

Indeed, it's the first semi-representative government here in a half-century. But you wouldn't know that from the people's reaction.

As the popular White Palace restaurant in downtown Baghdad filled up for lunch, waiters clustered around the television to hear the news. But, within minutes, customers insisted it be turned off so they could watch a music video station instead.

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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20040629/IRAQ29/TPInternational/Americas

[the Kelly Gang]

1. disbelief is right..if the man in the street really starts to think that

the USA is still behind this Iraqi government I think the violence will be far worse.

[sniffa]

2. are they Letting freedom reign?

[CWebster]

3. This can't be an American source

According to our shameless media every Iraqi on the streets is jumping for joy.

[SkipNewarkDE]

4. BBC on NPR reported little if any celebration on the street

n/t

[The_Casual_Observer]

5. They have trouble believing that the Americans are gone

because they aren't gone. There are VERY permanent bases all over Iraq
and they have no intentions of ever leaving. I am waiting for the "invitation" from this Iraqi "governing council" to make these installations a permanent fixture in Iraq.

[otohara]

6. Hooey - Hooey - Hooey

nothing has changed, Iraqi's know that