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Jed Boal Reporting...Most Utahns believe the U.S. HAS achieved it's early objectives in Iraq. But,long term goals will prove more difficult.
Few jump to any conclusions about the completion of this war, but optimism is rising.
Iraqis in their homeland and here in Utah are jubilant about the liberation of Baghdad. But, Utahns are unsure whether tougher battles are still to come.
As Saddam came tumbling down, Iraqis cheered, and Utahns applauded with plenty of caution.
"IT REMINDED ME OF WATCHING THE STATUE OF LENIN COME DOWN AND THE BERLIN WALL...IT STRUCK ME AS HISTORY IN THE MAKING, THAT'S WHAT WE'RE GOING TO REMEMBER."
"IT'S GONE JUST HOW WE WANTED IT TO. I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER HONESTLY."
Utahns are talking about the liberation of Baghdad at work and on the streets.
In a Survey USA poll exclusively for KSL-TV, Utahns are split about the future of fighting. Nearly half belief the worst is yet to come.
Worst is over? 47% Is yet to come? 42% Not sure: 11%
"I'D LIKE TO THINK THE WORST WAS OVER, BUT, I THINK THERE ARE POCKETS OF MAJOR RESISTANCE THAT WE HAVE YET TO ENCOUNTER."
"IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU'RE TRAPPED AND IN A HOLE...YOU LAST DITCH EFFORT IS TO GO OUT SCREAMING...SO I'M AFRAID THAT MIGHT HAPPEN."
"I EXPECT THERE WOULD BE SOME POCKETS OF RESISTENCE THAT WOULD BE PRETTY SEVERE."
Establishing a Democratic government will also be a challenge.
Only one-third think coalition forces will be very successful in establishing a democratic government.
Can Forces Establish a Democratic Government? very successful 35% somewhat successful 58% not at all 5% not sure 2%
"I DON'T HOLD OUT A LOT OF HOPE FOR THAT, I THINK WE MIGHT GET SOMETHING LIKE A QUASI-DEMOCRACY...BUT, IF YOU'RE GOING TO TRY TO ESTABLISH A DEMOCRACY, IT'S GOING TO TAKE AT LEAST TWO YEARS."
"EVEN DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THAT HAPPENS...I STILL THINK THERE ARE GOING TO BE PROBLEMS WITH TERRORISM."
When it comes to the fate of Saddam himself, a strong majority of Utahns think it's very important to prove he is done.
Important to capture Saddam or prove he is dead? Very 75% Somewhat 21% Not at all 6%
"I THINK WE WILL NOT GET AN END TO THIS UNTIL WE KNOW HIS REGIME IS FINISHED AND HE NO LONGER EXISTS."
"WE BLEW IT THE FIRST TIME...ANYBODY WILL TELL YOU THAT...BUT, YEAH, WE HAVE TO PROVE THAT AND HIS SONS."
"IF HE'S ALIVE OR DEAD. IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER IF HE ISN'T CALLING THE SHOTS."
There's also still a lot of uncertainty among Utahns about terrorism here in the U-S and the future of the economy.
