The Toppling of Saddam
It happened - at least to his statue in Firdos Square in Baghdad. A few Iraqi men spent many minutes getting a rope around the neck of the massive statue of Saddam and then seemed to wonder how they could topple it. They worked together; apparently talking and taking suggestions from the maybe 50 people in the crowd surrounding the statue. After maybe half an hour, the Marines came in with a tow tank - and an American flag they draped over Saddam's face. No one cheered.
Perhaps the Iraqis asked the Marines to help. Perhaps the Marines wanted to offer assistance, illustrating their helpful nature. Perhaps, even if it took days, it would have been more rewarding, more symbolic, and more patriotic, if the Iraqis had done the toppling.
As it stands - or as the statue no longer does - it was the U.S. who through their tank power superiority toppled it and where does that leave all of us?
Yes, many men rushed the toppled statue and threw their shoes at Saddam's head - one of the ultimate insults there. And yes, many men jumped up and down on the head. And yes, a few attached an Iraqi falg to the still remaining massive pedastel on which the statue stood.
But there are reports now questioning where the 4.9+ billion inhabitants of the city were. And some questions about their perceived fears. What happens now...
permalink posted by: jgh 11:25:17 AM
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