The Swadee family eats brekfast in their home in Najaf, Iraq, April 5. For the Swadee family, life under Saddam Hussein was miserable, they said. Jobs are scarce, and they must send the children to work just to support the family. They also have feared Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's ruling Baath Party and the terror his militants doled out. But when they see the U.S. troops roam the streets of their city, they say it is almost too good to be true, and they hope the Americans will stay. (John Partipilo/The Tennessean)

Read the story: Najaf residents welcome U.S. troops (Opens in new window)
On the homefront: Army families keep tense vigil at home while Dad servces in Iraq (Opens in new window)