"President Bush celebrated the early transfer of political power to Iraqis Monday, declaring that "the Iraqi people have their country back." Bush's statement came 15 months after he ordered the invasion against Saddam Hussein and his country. Bush stood with Prime Minister Tony Blair, a key coalition partner, at a NATO summit here. "We have kept our word" to deliver freedom and a new government to the Iraqi people, Bush said.

""Their brutal attacks have not prevented Iraqi sovereignty and they will not prevent Iraqi democracy," Bush said.

"The response in Baghdad was mixed. "Iraqis are happy inside, but their happiness is marred by fear and melancholy," said artist Qassim al-Sabti. "Of course I feel I'm still occupied. You can't find anywhere in the world people who would accept occupation. America these days, is like death. Nobody can escape from it."