Iraqis have the same attitude to great victories as North Americans and Europeans: They get revenge on inanimate objects.
Various sports “fans” celebrate by setting fire to postal boxes, tipping over police cars, breaking shop windows and throwing rocks at everyone else. Looting always figures highly in these celebrations, as if winning, or losing, entitles everyone to steal televisions, office furniture, clothing, rugs and bathroom sinks.
British Football fans are in a class by themselves, bringing victory rioting to an international level. Success is measured not in drunkenness, broken windows, or amount of stolen goods, but in deaths and cumulative length of suture materials used.
Iraqi celebrations, although well-intentioned, are simply not up to even the Belgian level. I think the first Humanitarian Shipment should be some Manchester United Fans and the Detroit Red Wings Booster Club, who can teach the people how to riot effectively.
The second point that really drove home the whole reason Operation Iraqi Freedom existed in the first place, was a video snippet from CNN. An Iraqi man, not necessarily a wealthy one, ran up to a US Marine and yelled these words, probably the only English he knew:: “Bush Good”
I think that sums up the commonality of all humankind. Trimmed, waxed, lightly scented, encased in lacy silk, especially if willing and warm to the touch, it is the reason all soldiers fight: Bush Good.
RoadDave 