] Traveling unescorted into Safwan today, I got a far
] different picture. Rather than affection and
] appreciation, I saw a lot of hostility toward the
] coalition forces, the United States and President Bush.
]
] Some were even directed towards the media. (It was the
] first time I heard somebody refer to me as a "Satan.")
]
] To be sure, conversations with people on the street here
] begin relatively calmly. But the more they talked, the
] angrier they got.
]
] In part, much of their discontent stems from the unknown.
] In speaking with them, the newly-liberated Iraqis ask the
] same questions that seem to nag many outside Iraq.
]
] Why are you here in this country? Are you trying to take
] over? Are you going to take our country forever? Are the
] Israelis coming next? Are you here to steal our oil? When
] are you going to get out?

... much of this will subside fast if aid follows on the heels of the troops.. and transition from occupation to self governance moves at a rapid rate.

Of course, the war is far from over too..

ABCNEWS.com : 'Liberated' Iraqis Question U.S. Motives