December 15, 2003

 

World Celebrates but Remains Divided on Iraq's Future

...The Iraqi exiles in London were also celebrating the abrupt end to years of dread.

"There's a great party going on here today — everyone is very happy," activist Ahmed Shames said. "There was the psychological fear of Saddam's return that hindered the reconstruction process."

A few hours later, a pro-Hussein Palestinian incurred the rage of the jubilant exiles with an ill-timed comment and was pursued by about 15 men into a restaurant, where employees pulled him to safety after a scuffle.