An Iraqi First: A Call to Protect New Freedoms
Jafar Hassan did something Saturday that he never thought he would do, not in his lifetime. He organized a rally and painted his own sign of protest.
These are chaotic days in Iraq’s capital, with looters in the streets and U.S. troops still battling Iraqi forces. But they are heady days too as Iraqis begin to realize that they are free from Saddam Hussein’s repressive rule.
Hassan’s banner expressed the complexity of his feelings: Its very existence demonstrated his joy at seeing Hussein fall, and its message showed his despair over what is happening to his society.
“We want a new government as soon as possible to ensure the security and peace,” the sign read in neatly written English and Arabic.
About 100 people joined the demonstration Hassan helped organize at the site where U.S. forces helped Iraqi civilians pull down a towering statue of Hussein last week. Marines stood across the street, their M-16s in hand, staring blankly at the crowd.
“We want Iraqi government!” the crowd of men chanted.
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