[Anamensis]

You know, not to be a wet blanket or anything, but I'm beginning to suspect that Arabs will wave and smile and shout for whomever they perceive to be most powerful at the time. I wonder if it means anything to them either way, whoever's the top dog, grin and show him your tummy, take what you can get and then get back out of way. If another dog comes and beats your top dog, better run up and lick his face, wag your tail, grin and show him your tummy.

Exempting, of course, those who've actually lost family members to torture and murder. But these folks way on the outskirts... how much contact did they ever have with the Ba'ath party?

Oh, I know, I'm just being a grouchy anti-Arab. But having seen them in action over the years I really DON'T have a warm, fuzzy feeling about any of them.

[ellery]

I don't think that's true -- remember all the government-organized pro-Saddam rallies held before the liberation began? People would cheer, because they had no choice -- but they were noticably apathetic and even glum. Contrast that to the pure joy in these photos...

[Kevin Curry]

Take a holiday from your cynicism. It will do your soul good. ;-)

[Republican Wildcat]

Do they normally run up and embrace people unenticed, though? Look at those last few pictures.

[DeathfromBelow]

Come on, that is the French you are confused. lol

[browardchad]

these folks way on the outskirts... how much contact did they ever have with the Ba'ath party?

Most of these pictures are likely from Basrah and Najaf, judging by the clothing. These are Shiites, second only to the Kurds in "death by Saddam."

No, I don't believe these people will live happily ever after, but it seems that's the bar the anti-war folks have set up: "So, they're not be murdered anymore, what good does that do?" Gives them a chance, maybe, which is better than what they had before: none.

We're not looking for gratitude here, just the beginning of hope -- hope that they'll eventually create a society where less than half the population isn't obsessed with killing infidels.

[bert]

Are all Americans Grouchy curmudgeons?