Niko Price reporting for the Associated Press on Baghdad Seethes With Anger Toward U.S.:
At first they cheered, smiled, offered hearty thumbs-ups to the U.S. soldiers newly in their midst. But across Iraq's lawless capital, that sentiment is evaporating as quickly as Saddam Hussein's government melted away.
Baghdad was bursting with anti-American feeling Saturday as residents saw their city being stripped by its own citizens while U.S. forces stood by, rarely intervening and in some cases even motioning treasure-laden men through checkpoints.
I know the chickenhawks and warbloggers would like everyone to believe otherwise, but occupying nations are NOT met with open arms by the locals for long. Yes, even in cases where the former ruler was a real son-of-a-bitch. Anti-American sentiment is rising as it becomes obvious to the Iraqi populace that our military is not prepared to police and protect 30 million people. Anarchy ain't pretty and people are going to be really hungry soon. Will the pro-war crowd be willing to get on a plane and hand out food and help rebuild? Or will it be more "uncompromising op-eds" as Gene Healy mentioned?
For those chickenhawks questioning the anti-war crowd and demanding our allegiance to empire, now's the time for you to head to your local recruiter. Quit sitting on your ass. And remember, some of us on the anti-war side already sacrificed our liberty. I gave six years active duty to Country and Corps myself. A couple of pro-war entries on a weblog isn't equal sacrifice guys. Put your own ass on the line, until then, I don't want to hear another word about signing statements or admissions of anything.
Syria is next. If ya'll hurry, you can get your fill of killing and maybe you'll get to visit Iran as well….