Baghdad, April 10, 2003: two symbols, two moments, and maybe two defeats. Just before 3pm, people moved towards Firdouz Square, on the eastern bank of the River Tigris. The American marines were already there. A few tanks stood guard on either side of Sadoon Street, the main street in that district.

An Iraqi approached. "Shoot it!" he yelled, pointing at the 3-meter-high statue of Saddam Hussein on its pedestal. The American shook his head.