Independent political parties are emerging for the first time in forty years. We see a Sunni politician campaigning on the streets of Nasiriyah, speaking to a bemused crowd. "We want an Iraq as one people, one nation without political, religious and ethnic divisions," says Sami Ul Ubaydi from the National Iraqi Rescue Movement. Everyone is worried the US wants to exclude them - concerned America will shoe-horn one of their own proteges into power instead. These suspicions increased when the Pentagon's favourite exile, Ahmed Chalabi, returned with US trained militia carrying new weapons and bundles of US Dollars. "We can't allow a big, hidden hand to choose the Government for us," states cleric Ryad Al Noori. Most Iraqis, however, have little time for politics: concerned more with the everyday struggle for water, electricity, medicine and food. Surrounded by the rubble of his bombed out home Sheik Al Zouhiri has paid a heavier price than most for his freedom, 14 of his family are dead. "No electricity, no fuel, no water. Why? This is a question for George Bush. Is this freedom?"

Produced by ABC Australia.