Rumors in Iraq that the US is to blame for the increase in violence
CBS Evening News Transcript
CBS News Transcripts
SHOW: CBS Evening News 6:30 AM EST CBS
July 19, 2005 Tuesday
LENGTH: 350 words
HEADLINE: Rumors in Iraq that the US is to blame for the increase in violence
ANCHORS: JOHN ROBERTS
REPORTERS: KIMBERLY DOZIER
BODY:
JOHN ROBERTS, anchor:
While the terrorist violence has become a constant threat in Iraq, many Iraqis are blaming (technical difficulties --"America and its allies"?) -- based on nothing more than rumors. Kimberly Dozier has tonight's Inside Story.
KIMBERLY DOZIER reporting:
Most Iraqis didn't see today's attacks up close. They were distant bangs and booms launched by a nameless, faceless enemy. But no one likes fighting ghosts; it makes them feel even more helpless. So Iraqis often lash out at those they can see, usually the Americans. They come up with wild theories blaming the troops for the hell Iraq has become.
For instance, after that horrific suicide attack that killed so many children clustered around American soldiers giving out candy, this man claimed the troops lured the kids close to use them as human shields. That may sound nuts to an American ear, but in an upscale coffee shop we found Iraqis who believed it.
Unidentified Woman: The Americans try to use our child to help them to protect themselves.
DOZIER: There were other conspiracy theories, like the one that says Americans will use chemical weapons and probably blame the militants.
Now the most popular rumor we've heard is that the American military is helping foster insurgent activity so US troops have an excuse to stay in Iraq. Again, to folks back home, that might sound farfetched.
But not to people here. Iraqis say American misdeeds have turned out to be true before. Consider Abu Ghraib. Long before evidence of torture at the prison was reported, Iraqis had been talking about American abuse. US officials denied it. When these photos turned up, the rumors became reality, and the Americans lost face.
How do they know what to believe? Who do they believe?
Mr. MAHMOUD OTHMAN (Iraqi Assembly Member): Well, the Iraqis, they have had so many wars, so many promises. I think they don't believe much.
DOZIER: They're left in an information vacuum which they fill with their worst fears. And the men and women who expected a hero's welcome find themselves cast as villains in the very nightmare they're fighting to end. Kimberly Dozier, CBS News, Baghdad.