Tulsans react to fall of a regime in Baghdad

As the Iraqis celebrated the fall of a regime, many people here shared in their excitement. <br><br>News on 6 anchor Terry Hood talked with some Tulsans who have a personal stake in the region. For Tulsans

Wednesday, April 9th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

As the Iraqis celebrated the fall of a regime, many people here shared in their excitement.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood talked with some Tulsans who have a personal stake in the region. For Tulsans with relatives in the Middle East, the fall of Baghdad has special significance. And they're cheering US troops right along with the Iraqis.

Lunchtime chatter at Shish-Kabobs restaurant in east Tulsa was sprinkled with talk of a new day in Baghdad. Patrons munched on Persian cuisine and kept an eye and an ear on what's happening halfway across the world. Several people, like David and his brother Jerry Mortazavi have family in the Middle East. They say they support American military action in Iraq, but are concerned about the violence and destruction surrounding the Iraqi people.

They also said while many people are cheering in the streets, many more are still afraid of Saddam Hussein's regime. Although they are Iranian-Americans, they say they know first-hand of Saddam's cruelty. And they're glad he's gone. Jerry Mortazavi, "this should have happened in 1991 when we went to Baghdad but I'm glad they get rid of this monster pretty soon." David Mortazavi, "they're ready to have the life that we have in this country and they're in for a surprise you know they never had a life like that there."

People are excited about whatâ€™s happening today, but theyâ€™re also worried about what may come tomorrow.