Was Iraq Better Off Under Saddam?

Some Young Iraqis Tell Harry Smith Many Of Their Friends Think So

(CBS)  "I think we had higher expectations of what the Americans can do. I hear it from many friends, who say, 'Do you really want me to believe that America cannot fix this?' "

So, asked Smith of the young men, "You know people who would like it better the old way?"

"Yes," responded No. 1. "It breaks my heart knowing that, because it was so bad, but now, they feel it's worse, and they just wish that Saddam's regime could come back."

A young man, who will be called No. 3, added: "A lot of people want, well, 'We just want Saddam come back. We don't want to live this life. OK, dictator? We don't care; doesn't matter anymore. We just want Saddam get back. We just want our life to get back to before.' "

"The American government made the right decision," commented No. 2, "probably weren't prepared very well and made so many mistakes. That's true, but I don't think they're here to hurt us or to use us or to take advantage of us, and I think it's in America's best interest to make things work in Iraq."

What's the most important thing they want people in the United States to understand about their lives?

"I personally want to thank America for what it did to Iraq," replied No. 2. "I want to thank every American who supported this war, and I know that even those who stood against it don't mean harm to us. But I want them to understand that what has been done is a good thing, indeed."

Asked if they would leave Iraq if they could, five of the seven said, "Yes, immediately. Can't get out of here fast enough," Smith reports.

But when asked if the United States should pull out now, says Smith, "Their voice was unanimous: 'No. America should finish what it started.' One even said, 'If you really want to see all-out civil war, America leaves, and that's what's gonna happen.' "