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Iraqis Applaud US Exit, but Fears Linger

US troops quit Iraqi cities June 30; some see economic boon

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 21, 2009 1:01 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Many Iraqis are looking forward to the departure of US troops from the country’s cities June 30—but what that means for security remains to be seen, Reuters reports. “Anyone who wants to fight them can go there and attack their bases without harming civilians,” says one taxi driver who's glad troops are headed to outside camps. Some believe the US exit could be a boon to Iraq’s economy.

"Life here is dead because of their presence," says a Mosul man. "We are full of desperation ... no jobs, no income, just because of them." A hotel manager said his business has been “strangled by US roadblocks.” Violence has plummeted in the past year, but as US troops withdraw, local troops will have to pick up the slack. “Some people are afraid that the situation could become worse,” said an analyst.

Iraqi National Police watch US soldiers from enter a building during a joint operation in Mosul.
Iraqi National Police watch US soldiers from enter a building during a joint operation in Mosul.   (AP Photo/ Maya Alleruzzo)
This June 12, 2009 photo shows Iraqi police at an intersection in western Mosul, Iraq.
This June 12, 2009 photo shows Iraqi police at an intersection in western Mosul, Iraq.   (AP Photo/ Maya Alleruzzo)
US soldiers stand guard on al-Zaytoun Street during a reopening ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, June 20, 2009.
US soldiers stand guard on al-Zaytoun Street during a reopening ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, June 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
US soldiers visit the site of a truck bombing near Kirkuk, 180 miles north of Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, June 21, 2009.
US soldiers visit the site of a truck bombing near Kirkuk, 180 miles north of Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, June 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Emad Matti)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
BeatBlaster
Jun 21, 2009 6:21 AM CDT
If only it wasn't so easy to control the population through force... I can totally understand why civilians would flee for their safety rather than fight. I just hope it doesn't take a full blown civil / total war after we leave for these people to finally get a good government and live good, peaceful, prosperous lives.
kokuaguy
Jun 21, 2009 6:05 AM CDT
These people have lived with fear for generations- what they haven't experienced is freedom from the legacy of colonial domination and dictatorial, authoritarian rule.

Insurgents kill 7 police in cities
AFP

 
Iraq • Iraq pullout • US troops • troop withdrawal • Mosul • cities • Iraq war

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