The CIA was so sure Iraqis would warmly welcome American soldiers that it suggested smuggling small US flags into Iraq ahead of the 2003 invasion, in order them to wave at the soldiers.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the CIA was planning to film the event and distribute it throughout the Arab world.
The report said the plan was ruled out by Lieutenant General David McKiernan, the commander of allied ground forces, who was concerned about the Americans being perceived as an occupying army.
The idea was dropped, but the CIA believed that many of the towns were "ours," one former staff officer told the newspaper. (albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
