Young Iraqis Love U.S. Culture, Not Bush

B A G H D A D, Iraq, Nov. 26 -- Though they fear the prospect of war and express cynicism toward American policies, young Iraqis indulge in various aspects of American culture, showing the same admiration as their American counterparts.

Heba al Sudani, a 21-year-old Iraqi woman who lives in Baghdad, awakens in a bedroom plastered with American culture, as pictures of Britney Spears, Bon Jovi, and even McDonald's and Burger King placemats garnish her walls.

Sudani is one of few Iraqis who has a clear memory of a life similar to the American dream — a life with opportunity and a chance to acquire economic success. Fifteen years ago her father was Iraq's ambassador to Zambia, and before he died, they lived in a home in Zambia with a pool and a tennis court — they even had their own driver.

However, after Sudani's father died, she and her family moved back to Baghdad — one week before the Gulf War began.

After living through the Gulf War, and now with the prospect of facing another war with the United States, Sudani says one of her American idols is not George Bush

"He gave the green light to Israel, and whatever they were doing, and I think that's the main reason for this hating of America, and its political policies and all this stuff. I don't know him personally, but I think he's not good enough for America, to rule America. There are a lot of people instead of him who are much better," said Sudani.

Although freedom of speech has its limits at Baghdad University, and student interactions with outsiders are monitored, the students' cynicism of American policies toward Iraq seems genuine.

"Every time America has a national crisis, there's a problem with elections, or impeachment, or Monica Lewinsky or something, they always have to sort of turn it on us, so the limelight won't be on them, it'll be on us. They should sort out themselves," said Mariam Maher, a student at Baghdad University.

Maher wears a hajab, but she also has an affinity for American culture. She speaks impeccable English, and enjoys listening to Garage music.