Four Years After the Fall of Baghdad

The iconic image of Iraqi citizens and American troops toppling the statue of Saddam Hussein was seen around the world four years ago signifying the literal and figurative fall of the Iraqi leader and his violent regime. The day was met with joy by many Iraqis.  But on this anniversary, the day was met with protests.

"I think the sense of optimism that may have been present both here and there in April 2003 is essentially gone," says Rockford College Political Science professor David Jervis.

Thousands of Shiites draped themselves in Iraqi flags and marched through the holy city of Najaf to protest the American occupation. Jervis says the ethnic-religious group's protest could signify more resistance yet to come.

"Much of the violence is being perpetrated by Sunnis," says Jarvis. "If now the Shiites don't like us either or those most outspoken Shiite leaders don't like us that says an awful lot about where we're headed."

In the meantime, Congress and President Bush continue to battle over the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Within the next few weeks, Congress is expected to send the President legislation calling for a phased withdrawal of troops. The President says he will veto any bill that contains a timetable. Ultimately, it will be the Iraqis who decide when the conflict will end, says Jarvis.

"The ultimate decision made about Iraqis are going to be made by Iraqis. However many American troops are there, however long those troops decide to stay, however long the congress wants them to stay. Ultimately the decisions are going to be made by Iraqis," says Jarvis.

According to Pentagon reports, 3,275 soldiers have been killed in Iraq since the U.S. led invasion began.