19 December 2002
Survey: Iraqis Will Back U.S.-Led War If It Means A Return To Normal Life
(International Crisis Group 2002 Report "Voices From The Iraqi Street") (510) By Carolene Langie Washington File Staff Writer Washington -- People in Iraq, with surprising candor, told researchers that they will support a U.S.-led war against Iraq if it brings "normalcy" to their country, the International Crisis Group said in a December 4 report entitled "Voices from the Iraqi Street." Iraqis voiced sentiments such as: "What we want is simply a dose of stability. We have suffered enough due to our leaders' mistakes. We want to become a normal country once again, a state that enjoys good relations with its neighbors and that is no longer an international pariah," the report states. The International Crisis Group (ICG) is an independent, non-profit, multinational organization that works to understand, prevent and resolve deadly conflict worldwide. Its researchers took to the streets of Iraqi cities in September and October 2002, to learn what people are saying about the ongoing crisis. "We do not particularly want a U.S. military strike, but we do want a political change. We're even ready to live under international tutelage. We have nothing to lose, and it cannot be any worse than our current condition," one Iraqi told a researcher. The report noted that Iraqis interviewees spoke with "surprising candor," when they told researchers "if such a change required an American-led attack, they would support it." "The overall impression as perceived by ICG was one of exasperation and even anger after 12 years of uncertainty and international isolation and even more years of warfare, combined with a growing sense that the current regime's days are numbered," the report states. Dozens of Iraqis were interviewed for the survey. Its researchers admit it is unscientific, but explain in the report that Saddam Hussein's repressive regime places considerable obstacles before interviewers and interviewees, who must remain anonymous for fear of repercussions. Researchers spoke with Iraqis from all walks of life, age brackets and religious groups over a three-week visit to Iraq. They said Iraqis discussed their opinions more freely this time than they did during ICG's past five visits. "ICG found virtually all Iraqis with whom it spoke to be far more willing than expected - and surprisingly more willing than on prior occasions - to talk openly and shed some light on their attitudes toward the regime, the opposition, and a possible U.S.-led war," the report states. ICG officials were unavailable for comment as to why they found Iraqis easier to speak with this time. The researchers reported that Iraqis are hopeful that the outside world, and particularly the United States, will make a significant and long-term commitment to them, including a guarantee of law and order. More information about the International Crisis Group (ICG) is available on the Web at http://www.crisisweb.org/. The full report, "Voices from the Iraqi Street," can be downloaded from the Web at http://www.crisisweb.org/projects/showreport.cfm?reportid=837. (The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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