What do the people of Baghdad want?

[Zylka]

Ok this is borderline acceptable for a new war thread as I know it falls right under an existing one, but it's your call Ming. I just want the flat numbers of apolyton opinion on this, it isn't so much meant for specific debate - that reasonable?

So, does a considerable amount of the Baghdad population despise Saddam, and if so - should they not be allowed to flee the city? They perhaps do, but at the same time are fearful of contact with US troops outside. However, does a considerable portion of the city not fear the US troops on their own, and wish to leave as refugees? I will leave population support for Saddam out of the basic choices... as it will come under fire

Yet most importantly - Are they currently allowed to leave, if they wish?

Inform me, and vote your voice - thankya!

POLL IS MULTIPLE CHOICE!

[Zylka]

I voted 1, 2, and 4

From that, I accuse a very nasty tactic of the Iraqi army. Can you name it?

[Zylka]

4 voters? YOUCH!

[Spec]

Where is the BANANA option?!?

[BlackStone]

Originally posted by Spectator
Where is the BANANA option?!?

The Bananas have been hit by the sanctions!

[SlowwHand]

It's clear what they want.
A chance to walk the earth, as free human beings .
The U.N screwed them over during part 1 of the Gulf War.
Thousands killed by Hussein.

They're pleading to not half-step this time.
And the Coalition troops (notice it's not called U.N. troops this time around?), consisting of the U.S., England, and Australia won't let them down again.

[Thoth]

No Bannanas for Oil!

[SlowwHand]

Some Canuks.

[Proteus_MST]

After all their strongest wish will be to survive the war

[Zylka]

Yep. From that desire they decide whether or not to fear the soldiers they "surrender" to. From there, the final portion ready to do the deed has to be allowed. According to those of Apolyton (for now), this significant group probably isn't allowed.

...So if they aren't allowed, they'll ask why:

R guard - "For your own safety away from the monster Americans!"
Citizen - "Well... to be honest, I'd like to take my chances, rather than eat their faceless bombs... see ya"
R guard - "If you indeed choose that suicidal path, I have no choice but to shoot you. Now get back inside"

[Dis]

we should just ask them. no one thought of that Of course there is a man in power preventing that. So I say we remove the man in power preventing us from asking them. And then we ask them.

[Sava]

Where's the "Iraqis are too poor and can't afford to flee option?" That's the main difference between 1991 and now. THen, Iraqis had the means to flee... now, the only option is to walk in the desert.

[Proteus_MST]

Originally posted by Sava
Where's the "Iraqis are too poor and can't afford to flee option?" That's the main difference between 1991 and now. THen, Iraqis had the means to flee... now, the only option is to walk in the desert.

Yep,
those german Reporter which have been in Baghdad (and. like Antonia Radosch, still are) talk about this being the reason why many people haven´t fled.
Those who could afford it are already away from Baghdad while the other people who are too poor or fear for their Possessions still are there, opening their shops and doing their regular work (and hoping they or their possessions don´t get hit by a Precision Weapon).

[Zylka]

Originally posted by Sava
Where's the "Iraqis are too poor and can't afford to flee option?" That's the main difference between 1991 and now. THen, Iraqis had the means to flee... now, the only option is to walk in the desert.

But when the US approach the outskirts, would not those who see them as liberators do the quick dash towards their camps? It can't be too far a walk when the initial forces surround the city

[Chemical Ollie]

Only Apolytoners living in Baghdad should vote!