Some exiles, by contrast, say change for the better, if it comes at all, will be slow.

"Have no fears on that score," said the Russian exile.

"I don't think he'll make much out of what I told him," said the exile when the governor had gone.

Other returning exiles say they felt a similar mix of joy and sadness.

Other exiles and American officials say he survived the war.

"Soldiers have families too and they see what this man is doing to people," an exile who was afraid to give his name said last week.

Some exiles say an attack would most likely destroy this support.

Kuwaiti exiles said many fires had been set in the city.

For the first time in years, influential Cuban exiles are saying just that.

Burmese exiles said that the film might have been an old one.