welcomed as liberators

Oof. Not sure if English is your first language, comrade, but you should be aware that this direct quote, "we will be welcomed as liberators" was used as justification for the invasion of Iraq by Cheney, and has such a negative connotation that it is now only used sarcastically.

Saying it evokes the strong memory of it being a bullshit statement to justify doing something awful. And, based on what you're saying... that assessment rings true.