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Baghdad residents wary, but business goes on as usual
September 4, 1996
Web posted at: 12:45 p.m. EDT (1645 GMT)From Correspondent Peter Arnett
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- After two mornings of missile strikes to the south, Baghdad is trying to adjust to its latest period of crisis. But the city's residents seem to believe that the capital will not be targeted by future U.S. fire.
CNN's Peter Arnett in Baghdad
Baghdad is trying to adjust...
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One sign of instability...
There was no indication Wednesday that residents were leaving town, as has happened in past crises.
In one sign of possible concerns, however, Baghdad's money- changers doubled the black market value of the Iraqi currency after Tuesday's strikes, and then lowered that rate slightly after Wednesday's attacks.
Business in Baghdad's streets appeared to go on as usual on Wednesday. Iraqi television aired pictures of what it said was a demonstration in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, near the target of one of the U.S. missile strikes.
The demonstrators were chanting anti-American slogans. On Tuesday, Iraqi officials had called on the public to express anger against the U.S. action.
For the past three days, Iraqi television has been broadcasting patriotic songs and anthems, and old video clips of military exercises and demonstrations in support of Saddam Hussein.
Iraqis did appear concerned about a delay in the United Nation's food-for-oil plan, which would allow Iraq to sell oil periodically to purchases needed humanitarian supplies.
Saddam had made no comment on Wednesday, but the Revolutionary Council released a long statement calling upon the world community to censure the U.S. for launching the missile attacks. Saddam met with the council on Tuesday evening.
Related stories:
- U.S. Air Force jet fires missile at Iraqi radar facility - September 4, 1996
- Witnesses say Iraqi troops were in Kurd area over weekend - September 4, 1996
- U.S. launches 2nd attack against Iraq - September 4, 1996
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