Many Iraqis Relieved at Bush's Remarks

AP ^ | Wed, Apr 14, 2004 | BASSEM MROUE

[Eurotwit]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Many Iraqis expressed relief Wednesday at President Bush (news - web sites)'s willingness to keep U.S. troops in Iraq (news - web sites) — but even some who saw the Americans as a protector of security feared more bloodshed if Washington sends more troops.

Most Iraqis were at first unaware of Bush's remarks, which were made before dawn in Iraq — too late for inclusion in morning newspapers.

The U.S.-funded Al-Iraqiya television station did not broadcast Bush's news conference. However, a news ticker at the bottom of the screen during regular programming highlighted some of his comments, including his rejection of suggestions that Iraq was becoming another Vietnam — a quagmire without a ready exit.

The two main TV stations in the region, Al-Arabiya and Al-Jazeera, broadcast excerpts of Bush's statements in their morning news broadcasts.

"I was relieved to hear Bush saying that U.S. troops will remain in Iraq because any withdrawal means disaster in my country," said Razzaq Abdel-Zahra, the owner of auto parts shop. "Every militia will try to take control of Iraq. This will lead to a civil war and subsequently Iraq will fall apart."

Bush has told military commanders to be prepared to use "decisive force" against insurgents, and Abdel-Zahra said that will lead to more unrest.

"Violence breeds only violence," he said.

Grocer Hussein Hamid also said he hoped the Americans would stay.

"If the Americans leave Iraq now there will be a security and political vacuum and the country could reach the verge of collapse because every political party and religious sect will try to control the country," he said.

Entifadh Qanbar, spokesman for Ahmed Chalabi, a member of Iraq's U.S.-appointed Governing Council, said sending in more troops is not a solution to the country's problems.

"The solution is to allow broader and more active Iraqi participation in protecting the security of Iraq by creating new security organizations and a new police force equipped with adequate weapons," he said.

Ibrahim al-Qaisi, who owns a clothes shop in Baghdad, was more skeptical about Bush's motives.

"Bush has to crack down in Iraq because he has an occupation force," said al-Qaisi, adding the president's statements were made "for American public opinion. Bush doesn't care about the opinion of the Iraqi people; he wants to convince the Americans to elect him."

At least 87 U.S. troops have been killed this month in battles with insurgents in Fallujah, Shiite militiamen in the south, and gunmen in Baghdad and on its outskirts. That makes it the bloodiest month for Americans since the military entered Iraq.

Bush said he was ready to allow an increase, rather than the planned decrease, in U.S. troop strength.

"Why send more troops to the country?" asked Haidar Taleb, 32, the owner of a Baghdad bakery.

Bush "is in fact in a second Vietnam. ... American soldiers used to come buy bread from here. Now, they are frightened and don't walk in the streets."

[facedown]

Bush "is in fact in a second Vietnam. ...(Haidar Taleb, 32,)

Like this idiot would have any notion about Vietnam.

Thank you Ted Kennedy.

[jolie560]

Here's a great tid-bit:

..."...Haidar Taleb, 32, the owner of a Baghdad bakery.----Bush "is in fact in a second Vietnam. ... American soldiers used to come buy bread from here. Now, they are frightened and don't walk in the streets."

Why should they?; when cowards like Haidar Taleb stand on the sidelines and just watch?

[MattinNJ]

I thought that Dubya's most interesting line was when he said. "Heck, I wouldn't like to be occupied."

[livius]

I bet they are! I think one of their big concerns is that we're going to cut and run again.

[MEG33]

I believe the Iraqis were the target of this speech as much as the Americans.We will stay the course.

[CasearianDaoist]

I cannot get that out of my mind either. It was so matter of fact. Like you were talking to someone in a hardware store or in a bar somewhere. I had to laugh. And do not forget the sentence just prior to that: "They do not like being occupied."

[CasearianDaoist]

I cannot get that out of my mind either. It was so matter of fact. Like you were talking to someone in a hardware store or in a bar somewhere. I had to laugh. And do not forget the sentence just prior to that: "They do not like being occupied."

[nuconvert]

Good.....sounds like it had the desired affect.

[MattinNJ]

Like you were talking to someone in a hardware store or in a bar somewhere.

Exactly. That, more than anything, will get him re-elected. I am flat out amazed when I meet people that don't like Dubya. I can understand not agreeing with his policies, but the libs despise him.

[livius]

I agree, and obviously, they (the Iraqis) were listening.

BTW, I heard a DEM caller to Rush break down in tears today because of the terrible attack made by the press upon Pres. Bush last night. I was wondering what folks must think about this abroad.

[ex-Texan]

BUMP!

[Dolphy]

I heard a DEM caller to Rush break down in tears today because of the terrible attack made by the press upon Pres. Bush last night.

I heard her too, it was really moving. But in the bigger picture I too wonder what the world thinks of a press that had the collective intelligence of 50 turkeys. There are plenty of valid questions regarding Iraq and the President's vision but the press can't keep up with the man they paint as an ineloquent fool, they cannot even formulate a question worthy of this time in history.

[CedarDave]

BTW, I heard a DEM caller to Rush break down in tears today because of the terrible attack made by the press upon Pres. Bush last night. I was wondering what folks must think about this abroad.

The US press is taking lessons from the British press and vice versa. Look at how they treat Tony Blair during his press sessions. Blair does have an advantage though, he has survived the savaging by dissident members of parliment during the weekly Q&A sessions. I have caught some of them on C-Span; they're positively wicked.

[KingNo155]

"Haidar Taleb, 32, the owner of a Baghdad bakery... Bush "is in fact in a second Vietnam. ... American soldiers used to come buy bread from here. Now, they are frightened and don't walk in the streets." "

If Haidar Taleb was a good business man he would find a way to get his bread to the American. And by the way its not Bush's fault the solders don't come there, its Haidar Taleb's fault and his neighbors fault for letting things getting out of control, for turning a blind eye to those who would do harm.
What I am trying to say to Haidar Taleb is that he and his neihbors have it in thier power to make thier city, thier neihborhoods safe. He and his neihbors have the power to say "No More, WE Wont Take it" and rid themselves of the militia's and terrorist.

[livius]

they [the press]cannot even formulate a question worthy of this time in history.

You've said it all. They really don't know what's going on and how history is going to view this.

[livius]

I think you're right. Bush and the rest of our politicians (with the possible exception of Dick Cheney, who obviously terrifies the press) don't realize that the only way to deal with a hostile press is to be on the offensive from the moment you enter the room.

And I think most Americans, after having seen last night's disgraceful performance by the press, would cheer it.

Perhaps the next press conference will be quite different..

[MEG33]

It was made worse by the exposure of the reporters inept try at gotcha instead of wanting the answers to questions,gathering information,informing the public.If the press wishes stature and trust it must clean up its act!I'm not holding my breath.

[CedarDave]

BTW, I heard a DEM caller to Rush break down in tears today because of the terrible attack made by the press upon Pres. Bush last night. I was wondering what folks must think about this abroad.

I wonder if there will be a "sympathy" bump as a result of last night? I believe that most Americans, regardless of political belief (except the most radical libs), have great respect for both the office and the man, especially after his sincere performance in the days and months after 9/11. To see him savaged the way he was last night just made me angry, but I certainly understand her emotional reaction to it also.

[TheLion]

More looney tune comments from the socialist AP. Where do they get these reporters, anyway?

Probably one of the toughest parts of a soldiers stay in Iraq, is answering the leftest questions posed by these reporters, as well as reading their negative Un-American comments.

You can't even say the reporters are well meaning, because they have an agenda that is in total conflict with why we are there in the first place.