The U.S. and British governments have a simple explanation. They say that Saddam has built a terrifying arsenal of chemical and biological weapons, and that foreign powers have no choice but to limit him in any way possible, even if it means imposing sanctions and dropping bombs. Because the political climate here does not permit dissent, it is hard to gauge what Iraqis really think. But in conversations after last week's bombing campaign, several sophisticated professionals said they blame the United States for destroying their way of life and shredding the prospects of an entire generation. If they want to penalize someone, let them do it, but not the Iraqi people.
Every country needs weapons to defend itself.
We could be attacked by Iran at any moment. I traveled, I bought whatever I wanted and was quite prosperous. Now I am reduced to a kind of poverty. Last week I spent four days at home not knowing if I was going to be hit by a bomb. We gave my mother Valium to calm her down, but they didn't help.