Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage Leaderless Iraqis Wonder Who Is in Charge
Thu April 17, 2003 12:17 PM ET
By Edmund Blair
BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - Mohammed Mohsen Zubaidi says he is running Baghdad but no one seems sure with what authority.
Iraqi National Congress leader Ahmad Chalabi, head of one of the biggest Iraqi exile political groups, has arrived in the capital after decades abroad but has so far made only the blandest statements through his adviser.
And the U.S. invaders, who patrol the city's streets, are saying virtually nothing.
For Iraqis, it is a baffling change from the harsh one-party rule of Saddam Hussein. Many now simply want somebody -- whoever it is -- to take charge.
"Whether we choose it or not, we need a government," said 35-year-old Wafiq Mohammed in a crowd of Iraqis struggling to understand what the future holds.
More than a week after Baghdad fell to U.S. troops, many Iraqis are struggling to understand why Americans, so effective in war, seem to be so ineffective at peace.
Many want a government of their own people and are still somewhat skeptical about the United States' motives for the war.
Thu April 17, 2003 12:17 PM ET
By Edmund Blair
BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - Mohammed Mohsen Zubaidi says he is running Baghdad but no one seems sure with what authority.
Iraqi National Congress leader Ahmad Chalabi, head of one of the biggest Iraqi exile political groups, has arrived in the capital after decades abroad but has so far made only the blandest statements through his adviser.
And the U.S. invaders, who patrol the city's streets, are saying virtually nothing.
For Iraqis, it is a baffling change from the harsh one-party rule of Saddam Hussein. Many now simply want somebody -- whoever it is -- to take charge.
"Whether we choose it or not, we need a government," said 35-year-old Wafiq Mohammed in a crowd of Iraqis struggling to understand what the future holds.
More than a week after Baghdad fell to U.S. troops, many Iraqis are struggling to understand why Americans, so effective in war, seem to be so ineffective at peace.
Many want a government of their own people and are still somewhat skeptical about the United States' motives for the war.
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