CAN THERE BE ANY MORE SUCCINCT, IF UNINTENDED INDICTMENT of the welfare state, and its effect upon the self-sufficiency of its citizenry? When one will sell one's freedom for an entitlement to bread, democracy and economy are unlikely to flourish, but tyranny may.

But locals said the harsh U.S. crackdown would only alienate Iraqis and stir up discontent.

"What does America expect? We are eating bread from the same flour that Saddam distributed. The United States has not done anything for Iraq," said Jasem al-Obeidi.

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