Good News from Iraq: 15 Jun 2007

From MNF-I, West Baghdad market thrives during troop surge.

BAGHDAD — Adjusted security measures have resulted in a resurgence of economic growth in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Hateen. A local market has seen a resurgence of activity as Multi-National Division –Baghdad soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces give way to shopkeepers, and fear gives way to progress.

U.S. Army Capt. Brian McCall (left) questions a local merchant in the Hateen Market of western Baghdad. McCall, the commander of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, is joined by Maj. Raheem Kinyab, commander of 4th Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 6th Iraqi Army Division. The two commanders conducted a combined patrol of the Hateen Market in order to assess commerce and security. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Neil Rice.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, have teamed up with members of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army to find a way to stimulate business in the Hateen Market while still maintaining security.

As a result, economic activity in the market has increased, fostering better relations between local merchants and the Iraqi Army.

The market, located in the southeastern Mansour neighborhood of Hateen, is the economic center of the area and its activity is directly tied to the economic prosperity of the residents.