Mistrust of US tempers relief at Saddam’s fall

CONCERNS about Iraq’s future and where the United States might next unleash its awesome military might tempered widespread relief yesterday that Saddam Hussein’s grip had fallen away so easily.

His 24-year reign appeared to have ended on Wednesday when US troops swept into the heart of Baghdad and jubilant Iraqis danced on a toppled statue of their ousted leader.

But relief in many countries that Baghdad had fallen without a blood-bath mingled with mistrust of the US in parts of Europe and Asia, and shock and anger in the Middle East.