1530 (All times are BST): The prime minister, Tony Blair, tells the Commons that “the bulk of Iraq is under coalition control, and the vast majority of Iraqis are rejoicing at Saddam’s departure”. He suggests elections could take place in around a year’s time, and adds that resistance to the coalition is now mainly from foreigners, not Iraqis.
and they quote one Iraqi man saying:
“It’s a huge relief, we think of ourselves as peaceful people who got stuck with a dictator. Hopefully we’ll get a leader who respects people and let’s them be in peace,” 58-year-old Hussein al-Khalidi told Reuters.
While The Sun speculates that Blair will use his popularity to push for Britain’s adoption of the Euro, and to make some changes in his cabinet:
Senior ministers face the axe as the jubilant Prime Minister stamps his authority after six years of uneasy alliance with the Left.
Clare Short, Margaret Beckett and even Deputy PM John Prescott risk the chop.
Can’t vouch for that, but back in Iraq the fighting is over:
WASHINGTON – Iraqi fighters have not mounted “a coherent defense” and major combat there is essentially over, an Army major general said Monday.
Big sigh of relief, and everlasting thanks to the troops.