Dignity, Security, and Pride: Iraqis see their Country Reborn
Baghdad (AsiaNews/ SCMP) Hope and optimism seem to permeate the streets of Baghdad where people have reacted positively to the news of the early transfer of powers. The need for more dignity and security and the greater confidence are some of opinions emerging from the many interviews conducted across the city in the Iraqi government's first day of sovereignty.
"We're reinstating our country and full sovereignty is the first step of the new Iraq," said Ghazi al-Yawar, president of the interim government. "Our country was the first to get its independence in the Middle East. Unfortunately, because of the mishandling by a dictator, this country was taken back hundreds of years. We are a genuine Iraqi government."
"It's like a new birth for Iraq," said Fawzi Asad, a 34-year old goldsmith. "Finally, it's like the light at the end of the tunnel. Now we've seen it and, God willing, we'll go through it."
In upscale neighbourhoods, residents have already seen changes on the streets thanks to the work of the Iraqi police. Last Sunday, the police raided the central bazaar where they arrested a gang allegedly involved in drug-smuggling and gun-running.
"Before, we felt like we were captive. We feel like we have freedom now. This is the day when Iraqis got back their freedom and their power," said Ali Jassem, owner of a women's clothing store.
Sheikh Salman al-Musawi, a cleric loyal to Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr, who recently called on his forces to stop fighting the US, has urged his followers to support the new government and give it the benefit of the doubt. "This is the day all Iraqi people have waited for. We ask God to help the new government stabilise the situation," he said.
In the meantime, Saddam, who was captured by the Americans on December 13, 2003, along with 11 other officials from the former regime have been handed over to the interim government and are no longer prisoners of war. Officially, the former president and the other V.I.P. prisoners were taken into the legal custody of Iraqi authorities. They remain however under US guard. Tomorrow, Saddam will appear before a judge who will inform him of the charges against him.
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15/03/2017 13:55
