The Critical Battle for the Hearts and Minds of Iraqis

By Wendy Griffith
CBN News Reporter

March 31, 2003

In central Iraq, civilians who were fleeing heavy fighting provided aid to hungry U.S. Marines by giving them food.


The battle for the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people may be more important than the military struggle against Saddam. But coalition forces face a major obstacle in that fight.
In many parts of the country, like in the port city of Umm Qasr, Iraqis are holding back their support of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, afraid the U.S. won't follow through in its attempt to get rid of Saddam Hussein.

Many of them still do not trust allied troops after the U.S. left them to fight alone at the end of the first Gulf War. Citing a popular proverb, a 35-year-old Shiite taxi driver in Baghdad said, "A believer is never stung from the same pit twice. We will sit and watch to see how it all pans out."

But coalition forces have been working to build relationships with the Iraqis. Much needed humanitarian aid continued to flow into the south. Jobs are needed too, and 85 local men were hired to help unload food and water.

"It is important because we are trying to gain their trust," said British Major Allen Poulson.

One place where trust is not a problem is with the Kurds. As the U.S.-led campaign in northern Iraq continued Sunday with the pounding of Iraqi positions, many villagers in one Kurdish village said they feel less vulnerable to an Iraqi attack now that U.S. troops are in the area.

Iraqi Kurd Abdul Karim said, "We are very thankful that the American army is here, and now we feel 100 percent safe."

Amina Saleh said, "God knows what Saddam would do if the Americans were not here."

In central Iraq, civilians who were fleeing heavy fighting provided aid to hungry U.S. Marines by giving them food. Agence France-Presse reports the troops were fed lamb, chicken, and boiled eggs and potatoes.

But guerrilla attacks continue to disrupt coalition supply lines to the rear and troops have had to ration their ready-to-eat meals.

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