While it’s heartwarming to see elated, celebrating people, the lawlessness that seems to be prevailing is very disturbing. I was upset to hear US Marines spokesman Capt. Stewart Upton on Reshet Bet radio station’s International Hour saying something to the effect of - People in Iraq are just letting off steam and celebrating, which is something they deserve to do. Yes, looting is regrettable, but understandable and after all they’re just taking back what Saddam took from them all those years. This is not quite accurate. They’ve also been looting private homes, and even hospitals and aid organizations like the UN. He said that the coalition forces have no intention of getting involved. He sounded as if he expected it to sort of fizzle out by itself.
Doesn’t the US military realize it could get far worse?
More from Allison on this.
On the other hand (as the pictures of hysterically happy people start to seep in)
How utterly shocking for the Arab “street” in more moderate Arab states seeing the pictures of jubilant Iraqis. Misled by Arab media, they truly had no idea how much Iraqis actually hated Saddam and suffered under him.
How scary for Arab leaders to see the pictures of the chaos. Will they take heed?
Exciting! (Imshin begins to grasp it)
I wonder how this is grabbing the Palestinians. Saddam was the chief supporter of Palestinian terrorism and symbolized Arab militant strength. Saddam had been the one who fought the US and lived to tell the tale.
What will these mean for the Palestinians?
Maybe, maybe it will do something to their point of view? I feel a glimmer of hope sneaking in…
And on the other other hand (euphoria finally sets in)
YES!
Saddam is down! As Ehud Yaari, top Israeli expert on Arab affairs, just put it on Channel 2 news: “Miracles don’t happen just in Hannuka. Sometimes they happen between Purim and Passover.” (For the uninitiated - this may not have been our war, but Saddam was a serious threat to Israel. Israel's annihilation was one goal he was very serious about).
Finally (Imshin succumbs and joins the celebration)
There'll be time enough to be sensible tomorrow.