Good News from Iraq: 27 Jan 2009

From MNF-I, Government of Iraq signs for Camp Ramadi. (Jack used to hang at Camp Ramadi. And two-plus years after he got there, it is hard to imagine the incredible progress that occurred.)

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Official documents finalizing the transfer of ownership of Camp Ramadi to the Iraqi government were signed on Camp Ali, Iraq today.

The documents were signed by Maj. Gen. Martin Post, the deputy commanding general of Multinational Force-West, and Ali Al Yasiri, the director general for the Council of Ministers Operations, Government of Iraq. Representatives from the Iraqi army, Government of Iraq and Coalition forces witnessed the signing, which officially gave Camp Ramadi back over to the Iraqi government. A memorandum of agreement was signed last week outlining the areas that will continue to be used by Coalition forces.

The memorandum of agreement, which was signed Jan. 20 by Staff Brig. Gen. Adel, the commander of the First Quick Reaction Force Brigade, Iraqi army, headquartered at Camp Ali, and U.S. Army Col. Ronald Kapral, the commander of Camp Ramadi and the 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard, acts as a tenant agreement for the Coalition forces who are scheduled to remain on Camp Ramadi through 2011.

Signing over Camp Ramadi is a step toward Coalition forces pulling out and handing complete responsibility and control back over to the Iraqis.

“This is very important for Coalition forces because we are handing the land back over to the Iraqis,” said Post.

“It shows that the U.S. military and the Coalition forces are starting to prepare to turn over and demilitarize the bases that we have been using for the past five years,” said Kapral who took part in both signings. “If you look at what has been done in the past five years, the Iraqi army has started taking responsibility for their actions. They’re starting to support themselves. They are proving training we have given them over the past three years is starting to pay off. The Iraqi army wants to take charge of their country, wants their bases and wants to provide the security for the people of Iraq that they have been lacking up until we came in and started a democracy in Iraq.”

Ar Ramadi was a center of Sunni insurgent resistance in the years following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. The area is now better known as one of Iraq’s biggest success stories.

Coalition forces took possession of Camp Ramadi, formerly known as Camp Junction City, in 2003 shortly after the ground offensive. Since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Ar Ramadi has had a handful of bases occupied by Coalition forces returned to the Iraq government. Camp Ramadi is now one of the last Coalition-only bases left in the Ar Ramadi area.

Although the signing marks a big step for the Iraqi government and leaders of Coalition forces, the majority of the troops stationed on Camp Ramadi will notice little change, if any.

“For those of us who physically live on Camp Ramadi, it really doesn’t change the normal day-to-day operations. What it does mean, from a long-term perspective, is that Coalition forces are giving back the bases and land to the Iraqis, due to their sovereignty,” said Lt. Col. Kevin McMahan, Camp Ramadi operations officer, who was present for both signings.

Force protection measures will not be changed. All camp improvement projects will continue. Iraqis will take a look at the buildings on Camp Ramadi to see if it is something they want to keep. The physical structures built on camp Ramadi will either be prepared to be handed over in 2011 or torn down. Part of the agreement is for Coalition forces to put the base back to the way they found it.

The Iraqi army and the Iraqi Police have been taking control much more, as Coalition forces have been stepping into the background.

“From my personal opinion, it is the beginning of the end. We are posturing to give back bases to the Iraqis. It will allow us to take a more supportive role,” said McMahan.

Good News from Iraq: 26 Jan 2009

From MNF-I, Iraqi, U.S. Forces Support Basrah Schools.

BASRAH — An Iraqi Army (IA) civil military operations team along with support from a Dallas based Army Reserve unit provided humanitarian assistance to some public schools here, Jan 15.

IA Soldiers from the 14th Division along with Soldiers of the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, traveled to the Al Zubair and Karowaan kindergartens in the Zubair district to deliver school supplies and make further refurbishment assessments.

The Zubair school, with 140 students and a teaching faculty of 18, was the first school the IA Soldiers visited.

The head master, Aroba Daod Salman, said the students and teachers were excited and happy to welcome the Soldiers to their school.

"These visits will make the children want to help the Iraqi Army and Police,” said Salman.

Salman helped Col. Mohammed Taher Mahee, 14th IA division chief of civil military operations, hand out backpacks, pencils and writing tablets to the students.

"Iraqi public schools are a meeting place for many ethnic, religious and social statuses of children and there are no better people to get education that will help better the country," Mahee said.

Mahee said he and his Soldiers have visited 16 schools and determined them to be in need of refurbishment. Several of the schools had students who were in need of school supplies.

After the assessments, recommendations were forwarded to the Iraqi Government’s Department of Education.

Good News from Iraq: 25 Jan 2008

From MNF-I, Iraqi-American Engineers Return, Rebuild.

BAGHDAD — Since security has improved in northwest Baghdad, the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment has developed many engineering projects to advance the citizens’ quality of life. Over the past year, two bilingual and bicultural advisors made sure those projects were done right.

In areas such as Ameriyah, Khandra, Adl, Jamiya, Washhash and Mansour, Iraqi-American civil engineers Nima Alsaiegh and Sami Bello worked with contractors to refurbish schools, medical clinics and much more to improve northwest Baghdad.

“Nima and Sami provide a skill set that is hard to replicate internally within the squadron. As civilian engineers, they have the capability to create scopes of work and provide quality checks of the ongoing projects,” said Lt. Col. Monty Willoughby, 4th Sqdn. 10th Cav. Regt. commander. “As Iraqi-Americans, they are able to communicate directly with Iraqi contractors and have a based knowledge of their capabilities that Soldiers don't inherently understand. We would not be able to have the same level of success without their contributions.”

Capt. Andrew Graziano, Iraqi Security Forces coordinator, 4th Sqdn. 10th Cav. Regt., said his unit did not have the engineering know-how to repave roads and build structures in his first deployment here.

“We’d go out there and look at asphalt roads and we wouldn’t know what to look for. We wouldn’t know what the composition was or the layers of asphalt looked like because we were not engineers and we were not qualified. So, the projects we were doing were JV work,” said Graziano. “Now we have these Iraqi-Americans coming here, and they have engineering backgrounds; they know what the projects are actually going to entail, and they make sure the projects are on budget, on time and to standard. What that translates to is we are at varsity-level projects.”

Among the details in many projects was the repair and replacement of tiles, roofs, doors, windows, repainted walls, sewage repair and the additions of running water and electricity.

Some of the renovated schools didn’t have bathrooms installed before they were worked on.

“Before (renovations), the children were going to schools with broken windows, no lights and no ceiling fans; some of them didn’t have bathrooms. They were so very unhappy,” said Alsaiegh. “Now, these children go to refurbished schools; there are bathrooms with water; there are places to play; there are basketball courts; there is air conditioning in the principal and assistant principal’s offices; there are complete computer labs; it is outstanding, and now they are very happy.”

Alsaiegh added that because of other projects like solar-powered street lights, public works substations, sewage pump stations, sports centers and the Ameriyah swimming pool, the people of northwest Baghdad are gaining hope for a sustainable future.

“We have done a lot here; I’ve been here almost 14 months working with the troops, and there is change in the mentality of the Iraqi people,” he said. “We have served them, and they believe in us.”

Read the rest here.

Good News from Iraq: 24 Jan 2009

From MNF-I, Medical Assistance Solidifies Relationships.

WALID — Shaykh Sa’ad, Walid tribe leader in Anbar province, sponsored a Coalition forces medical assistance visit for the citizens here and the nearby Palestinian camp, Jan. 16.

“The 179 patients we saw during this visit ranged from newborn to geriatrics,” said a Coalition forces member. “It’s rewarding to do visits like these; they help provide a valuable service to the community as well as solidify the positive relationships we’ve established in this region.”

Visits like these provide access to basic health care. With no functioning medical facility in the village, the Coalition forces converted several rooms of an available school into examination rooms.

Some concerns were easy to address, such as how and when certain medicines should be taken, progress checks on recovery, treatment effectiveness and recommendations for the best way to treat symptoms indicative of the cold-and-flu season.

“Typically you see a lot of the same things – muscle skeletal injuries, cold-like symptoms, et cetera,” said the civil affairs noncommissioned officer who has participated in about 20 medical visits to areas in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I’m glad we were able to provide services that were inaccessible to these members of the Iraqi population.

“By helping the community stay healthier, the medical assistance visit enables them to further reconstruction efforts and maintain the safety and security of their community,” said the civil affairs NCO.

An example of this was in response to a request from a desperate father at the Palestinian camp, struggling to get a referral for specialized care for his son.

“Every month or month and a half we have doctor come; he see other children, they go to hospital for surgery, treatment,” said the father of an 8-year-old boy with bladder exstrophy (a malformation where a child is born with the bladder on the outside of the lower abdomen). “My boy, Mo’amen, not get to see doctor yet; he not get chance to go to hospital, to be better. Can you write me something so he see doctor too? Maybe go hospital. Maybe be better.”

The Coalition forces team answered his plea to the best of their ability by cleaning and bandaging the site. The father was given supplies to keep the site as clean as possible and to help alleviate some of Mo’amen’s pain and discomfort. The father also received a referral annotating to the camp’s doctor that Mo’amen needs further medical attention and surgery.

“By being here and doing work like this, you are reminded of our common humanity and you hope that what we’re doing here makes a difference. If nothing else, it offers hope,” said a member of the Coalition forces team who has participated in four MedAvs prior to this one. “Seeing the kids is especially sobering; they are just beautiful and remind me of my own children.”

Medical assistance visits help protect the future of these children and their parents by bridging a gap and meeting a need. The forward-thinking nature of these visits aim to arm Iraqis with the basic know-how to treat their own citizens with national support.

“Medicines and treatments are obtained through the United Nations clinic in the local Palestinian camp to treat common medical complaints,” said the Coalition forces spokesperson.

“Government of Iraq assistance could lead to first-responder capability among the local IPs and up to paramedic-level providers to treat common illnesses and minimize the impact of medical trauma injuries on the village infrastructure.”

A steady flow of patients for more than three hours were helped during this medical assistance visit; 81 children, 59 women and 39 men all received care. It was a team effort, evidenced by the commitment of the Iraqis and Coalition forces to bring their skill and expertise to the people of Walid.

Good News from Iraq: 22 Jan 2009

From MNF-I, Iraqi, Coalition Soldiers Conduct Humanitarian Food Delivery.

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers handed out humanitarian aid packages to children attending Al Karama School for girls in the Suleikh district here, Jan. 19.

The patrol left early in the morning from Forward Operating Base War Eagle to link up with their IA counterparts in Suleikh to conduct their first joint-HA drop during the span of their 15-month tour.

“Our mission today was to receive assistance drop packages and assist the Iraqi Army in handing them out in the Suleikh area as needed,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Obermuller, a platoon sergeant with MND-B.

“It was our first HA drop but I knew that the IA leadership that we had over there are real good at what they do. They have been getting on the ground and becoming more proactive,” said Obermuller.

The IA and Coalition forces arrived to a school filled with curious students, but all it took was the voice of Staff Sgt Zachary Walker saying: “We come bearing gifts. Do not worry. No problem,” in broken Arabic to ease the tension of the crowd.

Minutes later, teachers began to line up the now relaxed schoolgirls in an orderly fashion while the IA and Coalition Soldiers distributed 100 humanitarian aid packages to the students. Each package contains noodles, peas, canned meat, rice, beans and tea – enough to feed a family one full meal.

While the students grabbed their large bag of goods and carried them to class, Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Ibrahim, 11th IA Div., addressed the children to ensure they understood why they had visited the school.

“We are here for you. This is part of our job. We are here to serve you and protect you and provide anything that you may need to keep you and your families happy,” he said.

Good News from Iraq: 20 Jan 2009

From MNF-I, Abu Ghraib Hospital Symbol of Success.

ABU GHRAIB — The once war-ravished Abu Ghraib Hospital, west of Baghdad, is slowly but surely gaining new life. What was once one crumbling building is now a sprawling complex, boasting new equipment to better care for the hundreds of thousands of people who live in the city.

Approximately $3 million was spent by five different sources for approximately 20 different refurbishment and building projects.

“The most difficult part of this whole operation was getting the different funding organizations together to synchronize their efforts,” said Keith Parker, senior public health advisor for the embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

Projects were funded by the International Relief and Development Organization, Commander’s Emergency Response Program, Iraq-CERP, Quick Response Fund and the Government of Iraq’s Ministry of Health.

Parker said the MoH now funds more than half of the projects.

The man behind the coordination of all the organizations was Dr. Naja Nouri, the hospital’s director. Since the beginning of the projects, Nouri has overseen the progress to ensure each was completed in a timely manner and with the quality he said he expects from a hospital.

“How can I not know what is going on here?” he asked. “It is important for me, as the hospital director, to make sure each project is done right so we can give the best care possible.”

Parker stressed the importance of Nouri’s oversight as well as regular inspections by the MoH engineers.

“The MoH engineers are really great,” he said. “They increase the quality of work and really ensure the work is done to proper standards.”

Parker said he hopes this hospital’s success is a model for other hospitals in the area.

“Change is difficult,” he said, “but the process is slowly shifting to the right people at the right levels of government. This is what needs to happen to slowly take the U.S. out of the picture. This is their time to shine.”

Good News from Iraq: 15 Jan 2009

From MNF-I, Arab Jabour Opens New Police Station.

BAGHDAD — The citizens of Arab Jabour may notice more Iraqi Security Forces on the roads and in the community than normal, thanks to the efforts of the Government of Iraq and its dedication to the security of its people.

Community leaders, ISF commanders and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers gathered in the rural farming community in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district for the grand opening of a new Iraqi Police station, Jan. 11.

“There was a big turnout of all the local leaders and ISF members,” said Capt. Kip Kowalski, a company commander with the 4th Infantry Division. “They all showed up to commemorate this great event, which is a good feeling because they are all working together toward security improvements.”

The new IP station greatly increases the number of security forces in the area by providing more uniformed Policemen, explained Kowalski.

Kowalski said Coalition Soldiers partnered with the local ISF before the ceremony to provide security and to minimize the U.S. presence inside the Police station.

To memorialize the station, the Provincial Directorate of Police in Baghdad, Maj. Gen. Kadhum Hameed Al-Mihimidawy, cut the ribbon on the station and blessed the event.

Since the Government of Iraq implemented the Security Agreement Jan. 1, all Coalition patrols require an ISF presence, which accommodates Kowalski’s mission by providing access to more ISF patrols.

“Everything we do is with the IP, and this increased security allows us to move around with them more often,” Kowalski said.

The added security in the neighborhood gives more responsibility to the ISF, said Kowalski.

Salam Saleh Muhammed, a former Sons of Iraq security member, recently graduated from the Furat IP Academy in northwest Rashid and began working at the Arab Jabour station.

“My feelings are like any decent person,” stated Muhammed, a 30-year resident of Arab Jabour. “I like to serve my country and people.”

Muhammed said he feels safer since the major security improvements in the Rashid district, Baghdad and Iraq occurred.

Muhammed also said he is proud to serve as an IP because many of his family members served in the Iraqi Army.

“I want to continue to provide services to civilians and spread security in the community,” he added.

Kowalski and the Soldiers of the 1st Bn., 505th PIR recently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Fort Bragg, N.C., and assumed control of eastern Rashid.

Good News from Iraq: 14 Jan 2009

From MNF-I, Iraqi Police Gather Donated Items for School Children.

BAGHDAD — As bags and boxes were rolled into the courtyard by carts and wheelbarrows at Al Musqdad Primary School last week, smiling students peered through the windows of their classrooms to find Iraqi Police, along with some Coalition Soldiers, making the delivery.

“Today we are here to bring you some gifts,” said Iraqi Police Col. Laftaa Mahdy, commander of Al Jadida police station, through an interpreter. “You are all being rewarded for all of the good things you have been doing.”

During the visit, IPs distributed school supplies, clothing and sporting equipment to the children to further develop the positive relationship between the IPs and the citizens of the muhalla. All of the items were donated by the Soldiers of the 340th MP Co.

“Our platoon leader came up with this idea in August 2008, so that the Iraqi children would gain trust in their IPs as well as in Coalition forces,” said Spc. Lauren DeYoung, a Soldier of 340th MP Co., Multi-National Division - Baghdad. “I told my parents what we were trying to do so they began collecting stuff in my hometown for about a month. At the same time, it gave people back home the opportunity to help these children in any way that they could.”

DeYoung along with two other Soldiers, Sgt. Aaron Grechko and Pfc. John Lachioma assisted in reaching out to their hometowns.

Mahdy, along with an element of IPs from Al Jadida, went into each classroom and spoke with the students of the school. The IPs then distributed bags of school supplies to each child. Each bag consisted of pencils, calculators, notebooks, glue sticks, and protractors, among other supplies.

After all of the bags were distributed, students formed a line and were presented clothes and a game or toy.

“I am happy to have this and I thank them for these gifts,” said Emad, a student at the school, through a translator.

The IPs of Al Jadida, continue to flourish their relationship with their community by providing time and resources to further improve the public perception of the police.

Good News from Iraq: 13 Jan 2009

From MNF-I, Hundreds Graduate Iraqi Military Academy.

BAGHDAD — The Basic Officers Commissioning Course at Ar Rustamiyah Military Academy graduated 241 Iraqi Army and 134 Iraqi Air Force cadets, Jan 12.

The 12-month commissioning course paid special attention to leadership and ethics training while instilling the values and standards required of the future leaders of the Iraqi military.

Additionally, the course syllabus covered tactics, weapons training, physical fitness, first aid, current affairs and geography. Along with those completing the 12-month curriculum, cadets holding university degrees graduated after completing six months of intensive training.

Lt. Gen. Mohan al-Furayji, senior advisor to the Minister of Defense, and Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander of Multi National Security Transition Command – Iraq and NATO Training Mission – Iraq, presided over the ceremony.

The next Basic Officers Course starts in March, and in light of lessons learned from the current curriculum, will be nine months in duration and specifically designed for officer cadets who hold university degrees.

The Iraqi Military Academy of Ar Rustamiyah, or IMAR, was founded in 1924 by British forces. The academy, based on the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England, graduated its first class of Iraqi officers in 1927.

NATO Training Mission – Iraq has supported IMAR since 2005. During the past three years, more than 2,000 officer cadets have graduated from the academy.

Good News from Iraq: 27 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Rainy Day Doesn’t Stop Sadr City Business, Employment Fair.

BAGHDAD — Heavy rains flooded the streets in front of the Sadr City District council building, but that didn’t stop a deluge of more than 150 Iraqi business owners and hundreds more Iraqi residents from the first business and employment fair in the popular Baghdad district, Oct. 25.

A colorful tent longer than a football field was erected on the street in front of the Sadr City District Advisory Council for the Sadr City Road Show where business owners from the region compared services and highlighted their wares to an anxious crowd of citizens and non-government organizations (NGO).

Organizers said the overall purpose of the event was to establish a business directory, highlight services available to business and to the people, and to demonstrate economic development in the region.

“The idea is to spotlight local business owners and NGO, to gather everyone in one place, get national and local government involved, and let the people voice their concerns,” said Raad Omar, CEO of the Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Omar, members of the district council and regional market councils organized the event to demonstrate to the rest of Iraq and the world that after months of destructive fighting and subsequent reconstruction, Sadr City is open for business.

“A key objective is to make people see how safe the area is now,” said Sheik Mohammed Haraj Azeez, chairman of the Jamilla Market council.

The Jamilla Market is the largest market in north Baghdad and during the months of March through May absorbed much of the fighting between Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and their partners in the Iraqi Army against Special Groups criminals who extorted money from business owners to fund their attacks and intimidation of civilians.

Azeez said business in the Jamilla Market is growing rapidly again thanks in part to reconstruction efforts and economic development programs like micro-grants from MND-B and the government of Iraq.

“A few months ago, many businesses were destroyed,” Azeez said. “Today we answer the question on how we are doing now.”

Omar said Sadr City now joins five other districts of Baghdad where the road show has promoted growth and development, creating jobs and new opportunities for entrepreneurs ready to put violence behind them.

“We want to show the people that Sadr City is ready to move on,” Omar said.

The Sadr City Road Show culminated Oct. 26 adding to an expanding Baghdad business directory.

Omar said the success of this road show, even under driving rain, inspires hope that Sadr City will again host such an economically important event in the near future.

Good News from Iraq: 24 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, General Says Economic Progress Now Tops Anbar Priorities.

WASHINGTON — With life returning to normal in Iraq’s Anbar province, the way forward now is driven more by the economy than security, the commander of Multi-National Force - West said yesterday.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly spoke to Pentagon reporters from his headquarters in Fallujah (Transcript). He said Coalition forces continue to mentor Iraqi security forces, but the Iraqis are in the lead and have become more capable and confident.

Anbar has been under provincial Iraqi control since the beginning of September, and the Coalition and Iraqi forces are putting in place policies that minimize the military disruption to life in the province.

“We started a share-the-road program, where no longer would Iraqi traffic have to do anything particularly different when they came upon military convoys,” Kelly said. The command also moved most of the convoys off the roads during the day. The long lines of military vehicles and civilian big rigs now travel between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

“We started to tear down literally hundreds of checkpoints,” the general said. The need for the checkpoints is past, he said, noting he has launched “kind of an operation Rudy Giuliani” that cleans up the cities. Rolling up the barbed wire helps convince the average Anbari that the improved security situation is real, he said.

The Coalition forces in Anbar are still engaged, but are in an overwatch posture, he said. “We still have Marines and some U.S. Army Soldiers as police advisors that still live inside police stations, but down to a very small number,” he said. The Iraqis are, for all intents and purposes, on their own, the general told reporters.

The Iraqi government is funding more projects in the province. In fact, Kelly said, he actually turned in Commanders Emergency Response Program (CERP) money and has recommended the amount allotted be reduced next year. CERP provides commanders with money for local reconstruction and infrastructure projects.

About 28,000 Iraqi Police serve in the province, along with 9,000 Iraqi Soldiers and roughly 25,000 Coalition Marines and Soldiers.

While the security situation in the province is vastly improved compared to 2006, when Marine planners said Anbar had been lost to al-Qaida, it can still change, Kelly warned.

“Anbar is not an island,” he said. “If it was an island, we could look at doing certain things in terms of drawdown, but it's not. We have al-Qaida still here in Iraq. I'd characterize them as … ‘al-Qaida refugees.’ They're hiding out. The insurgency has lost its network; it's lost the support of the people.”

Though individual cells of terrorists remain, the general said, the insurgency has been de-clawed.

Now the impetus has to be on building essential services and providing jobs, and ensuring the Iraqi government is imposing the rule of law in the province, he said. Still, the Coalition continues to have a mission.

“Even though we're beyond the kinetic combat-type mission, there's … a sense of security we bring, particularly as we roll into the elections, which they very much look forward to,” Kelly said. “I believe most of [the Iraqis] would tell you that after the elections – so long as they go well and they're transparent and all of that – … I think they'll start to really settle down and be comfortable with their own central government and with themselves.”

Good News from Iraq: 22 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Security level allows 1000s to view soccer match in Samara.

SAMARRA, Iraq – Thousands of spectators filled the stands at the Samarra Sports Complex to witness a soccer match between club teams from Samarra and Baghdad Oct. 19.

As a show of the level of security the city is now experiencing, thousands were able to gather and watch as Football Club Samarra defeated Football Club Baghdad Student Union 3-1.

This match marked the first time two soccer teams were able to play in the once embattled city since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Several months ago, Coalition and Iraqi Security forces were clashing with enemy fighters inside the city in an attempt to rid it of insurgent activity.

ISF provided the overall security for the event and the match ended with no incidents.

“Through the cooperation of Iraqi Security Forces, Sons of Iraq and Coalition forces and the active support of the city’s residents, Samarra is now safe enough to host a soccer game that attracted thousands of spectators,” said Lt. Col. JP McGee, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment commander. “This soccer game holds huge significance for Samarra and all of Iraq. After years of violence and unrest, Samarra has expelled terrorists and established a degree of security unimaginable a year ago.”

McGee said the fact that a team from Baghdad could travel to Samarra, play in a soccer match and then return home safely represents a return of normalcy to Iraq and the reuniting of the country.

“Samarra's triumph makes it all the more special,” he said. “In this type of struggle, victory will not be marked by a formal surrender ceremony as in past conflicts. Rather, events like this soccer game will herald Iraq’s triumph over terrorism and Iraq’s reemergence as a strong, united nation."

Good News from iraq: 21 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Primary school opens in Baghdad.

BAGHDAD – The Al Furtain Primary School opened in Baghdad’s Mansour district Oct. 12.

The ceremony marked the completion of renovations brought about through the combined efforts of members of the Khadra Neighborhood Advisory Council and the Mansour District Advisory Council, Iraqi Security and Coalition forces.

These groups worked together to add new windows, new doors, fresh paint and refurbished bathrooms to improve the school which provides education to approximately 400 Iraqi boys and girls.

“The much needed renovations to the school will assist Iraq’s future generations to enjoy school facilities that are more conducive to learning,” said Maj. Jay Bullock, operations officer, 4th Squadron 10th Cavalry Regiment, operationally attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

With security set and renovations complete, teachers will be able to concentrate on education, instead of fear or run-down equipment or buildings, said Haji Sattar from the Khadra Neighborhood Advisory Council.

“The renovations to this school will allow teachers to concentrate on education and not broken windows, plaster falling from ceilings, and lack of lighting,” Sattar said. “Students will enjoy the newly improved environment that is a signal for their bright future.”

Students treated the audience, which included the deputy Minister of Education, to a brief presentation and the singing of the Iraqi national anthem.

“The success of the renovation lies in the team effort. Local Iraqi Neighborhood and District Area Councils provided input on which school needed renovation,” said Lt. Col. Monty Willoughby, commander, 4-10th Cav. Regt. “Iraqi Army Soldiers provided security for the contractors to work, and Civil Affairs Soldiers provided quality assurance of the work.”

Good News from Iraq: 20 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, 233 Iraqi Intel analysts graduate at Taji.

TAJI, Iraq – 233 students graduated from the Iraqi Intelligence and Military Security School here Oct. 9.

The ceremony marked the end of a 10-week period of instruction for most of the graduates. 113 graduates were from various Iraqi Army Divisions, with 36 graduates from the divisional Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance companies. 92 graduates were from the Directorate General for Intelligence and Security. The remaining graduates were from other governmental ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior.

213 students attended the Introduction to Intelligence course and then diversified into one of five specialty courses: Analysis, Counterintelligence, Human Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance, or Signals Intelligence. The remaining 20 students underwent advanced Human Intelligence training in either Source Operations or Interrogation. More than 3,000 students have graduated from a multitude of courses since the school’s inception in August 2005.

The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Iraqi Brig. Gen. Thafer, the Director of Training for the Directorate General for Intelligence and Security, praised the graduates and instructors stating, “This is the most capable and disciplined class that has graduated from IMSS.”

In remarks to the audience, the three speakers - the IMSS Commandant, the student class leader, and Thafer - continually emphasized the need for the graduates to take their place in the Security Forces not as Shiites, Sunnis, or Kurds, but as Iraqis.

The leadership at IMSS intends to add 10-15 new specialty courses during 2009 and graduate at least 2,500 students.

Good News from Iraq: 19 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Emergency Phone Network Expands to Al Anbar Region.

BAGHDAD — Iraqis have been able to take charge and save lives thanks to their Advanced First Responder Network (AFRN).

AFRN works the same way the ‘911’ emergency phone service does in the United States, except they dial ‘104’ here. It serves as the backbone emergency communication link between Iraqi citizens and emergency services.

The network has now expanded across the Al Anbar region, decreasing the amount of preventable deaths across Iraq. Installed in 15 major cities, more than 18 million people have access to the system.

“Baghdad leaders depend on this network,” said Iraqi Maj. Gen. Saad, Ministry of Interior director of communication. “This is very important to us.”

With one phone call, trained dispatchers send the emergency messages to the correct responders. Police, fire and emergency services and diplomatic protection services are only some of the services available.

Before the network was created in 2006, Iraqi citizens had to find their own way to get help, explained U.S. Army Capt. Antonio McNutt, AFRN program manager.

“Now the dispatch center is receiving more than 1,400 calls a day in just Baghdad alone and dispatching the right response team,” he said.

Read the rest here.

Good News from Iraq: 17 Oct 2008

From Fox News, Last One Turn Out the Lights: Marines Quietly Begin Leaving.

WASHINGTON — When Marine Maj. Gen. John Kelly deployed to Iraq in February, the violence had fallen so low in Anbar province that he began figuring out how to start closing bases and prepare to go home.

In the last 10 months the Marines in Fallujah have done what was unthinkable before the surge began — they have quietly transferred out of one of Anbar province's largest cities. FOX News has learned in an exclusive interview with Kelly from Fallujah that 80 percent of the move is complete. In February there were 8,000 Marines living at Fallujah base. Now there are about 3,000 left. By Nov. 14 there will be none.

"We will shut down the command function here and I will move; my staff has already started to move," Kelly, the commander of Multinational Force-West, told FOX News in an exclusive interview via satellite. "We will turn the lights off here."

They will hand the Fallujah base over to their Iraqi counterparts on Nov. 14, having relocated themselves and thousands of combat vehicles to the desert base of Al Asad to the west. Marines will no longer be seen in city centers such as Fallujah — a major step toward leaving Iraq, and one step closer to Iraq's goal of having U.S. troops out of its population centers by mid-2009 — one of the key points enshrined in the Status of Forces Agreement being reviewed on Capitol Hill today.

On Wednesday, to little fanfare, the Marines quietly closed down Al Qaim base near the Syrian border. Now it is run by Iraqis.

In Fallujah, where the U.S. Marines once had three large mess halls to feed troops, they are now down to one. The Marines have quietly disassembled the entire infrastructure of the base.

"We probably had several thousand of those large metal containers — tractor-trailer containers," Kelly said. "I bet we don't have 200 of them here now."

Of the thousands of vehicles once parked at the base, now there are only 300 left. Their transfer occurred at night, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., over the past 10 months so as not to disturb Iraqi drivers and clog the roads.

They dubbed it "Operation Rudy Giuliani" because they were cleaning the streets up and returning Fallujah to normalcy — taking down barbed wire and tearing down checkpoints and Jersey walls that made Anbar look like a war zone.

"There is almost no barbed wire left anywhere in Fallujah," Kelly said. An Iraqi no longer sees barbed wire when traveling in and around the city.

Between 300 and 400 concrete barriers that divided the city were removed by Navy Seabees.

One of the big changes Kelly made when he took command in Anbar was to remove fixed checkpoints, and Iraqi vehicles no longer had to pull off to the side when a military convoy was on the road. His troops risked car bombs, but the gamble paid off in what had once been Iraq's most dangerous province. The new road rules instantly lowered the tension between military and locals. Soon he transitioned to moving military convoys only at night, so they would not encounter locals. This also stymied many of the insurgents laying IEDs or roadside bombs, which they often had done at night.

Another change for the better since Kelly arrived in February: He pushed the central government to provide more fuel to the people of Anbar, so the mostly Sunni population is now happier. In February, Anbaris were receiving only 8 percent of their allocation of fuel from the central government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Now it's 90 percent — eliminating one of their main gripes.

But perhaps the biggest sign that the situation has changed for the better for Sunnis living in Anbar: With the help of the Marines and the Iraqi police, nearly 100 percent of the eligible voting population were registered a month ago to vote in upcoming provincial elections.

"They seem to add another political party every day," Kelly said. "We didn't have a single security violation of any kind. They're at least going to give the electoral process a shot … at least going to give democracy a chance."

The Sunnis, who fueled a large part of Iraq's insurgency, boycotted the last election for Parliament with only 3 percent of Sunnis participating. Now they feel they have a stake in the government.

"This is an amazing indicator as to where this province is," Kelly said.

He and the Marines no longer use violence as an indicator of how much progress they have made. Two years ago they had 400 attacks — roadside bombs or shootings — at U.S. forces every week. In February it was down to 30 attacks per week. Now it is down to under 12 attacks per week. There hasn't been a Marine death in a few months.

Troop numbers have dropped, as well — down by 40 percent since February. About 26,000 Marines still serve in Anbar.

"In Anbar there is no longer an insurgency," Kelly said. "Unless someone does something stupid (for instance, if the Coalition were to accidentally kill a large number of civilians), this place will not go back to the way it was."

In football terms, Kelly says, the Marines are "in the last 10 yards of this fight."

"Could it go back? I don't think so," he said firmly. "We are winning this thing."

Good News from Iraq: 16 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Iraqi National Police Improve Checkpoint Search Technique.

FOB LOYALTY — Iraqi National Police (NP) worked to improve vehicle search techniques to speed up car checks and to reduce traffic congestion in a security district in eastern Baghdad, Oct. 8.

Coalition forces regularly visit checkpoints throughout Baghdad to ensure that Iraqi Soldiers maintain security to standard and ensure traffic flows effectively.

“You just got to make sure that you keep the vehicles going,” said Lt. Col. Donn Hill, a Louisville, Ky., native, who serves as the deputy commanding officer for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, to the NP officer in charge during a checkpoint visit.

The NP OIC explains his implementation.

“We have explained to all of our Soldiers how to do this new plan, even our off shifts Soldiers know how to follow this new technique,” said the NP OIC.

Read the rest here.

Good News from Iraq: 14 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Rusafa ‘Sons of Iraq’ Now Under GOI Control.

FOB LOYALTY — Government of Iraq (GOI) officials and Coalition Soldiers recently gathered at Forward Operating Base Volunteer in the Rusafa district of eastern Baghdad to transfer responsibility of the ‘Sons of Iraq’ (SOI) over to the GOI.

Iraqi officials, Iraqi security forces (ISF) and members of the Sons of Iraq invited Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad to the Iraqi Army headquarters in order to officially sign over responsibility of the Sons of Iraq to the GOI.

Col. Craig Collier, squadron commander for 3rd Sqdn., 89th Cav. Regt. signed responsibility of the SOI in Rusafa over to the GOI. Representing the GOI in the signing was Brig. Gen. Haitham Al Awani, 43rd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Div.

Coalition forces originally handled SOI payments. However, the signing now transfers that responsibility over to the GOI.

During the ceremony, Al’aa Dagher, the Rusafa District council chairman spoke about the importance of the SOI and their role in the security of Rusafa. Dagher likened the SOI to a “pure seed,” which has spread throughout all of Iraq and has helped stabilize the country by partnering with U.S. and ISF to establish security.

Read the rest here.

Good News from Iraq: 9 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Iraqi Police Making Waves.

HADITHA DAM — The Euphrates River fulfills many of the economic needs for the people of Iraq. For all of its advantages though, it does create a challenge for the Iraqi Police (IP) who are in charge of security for the area.

To remedy this situation, Sailors with Riverine Squadron 3, Riverine Detachment 2, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 have been holding classes for the IP on basic seamanship.

“We are teaching them the basics so when we leave they will be able to take over patrolling the river,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason H. Gialenes, 24, from Huntington Beach, Calif., who is a gunner and instructor with Riverine Squadron 3.

The policemen in the class came from all over western al-Anbar province to learn everything from knot tying to boat maneuvers as they learn to adapt their police knowledge to aquatic patrolling. For many of the policemen, the 21-day class is there first experience working on boats.

“They are already police officers, so they know how to patrol and move on the land,” said Gialenes. “We are trying to get them comfortable with operating the boats.”

With policemen from several different departments in western al-Anbar province and different backgrounds, the Riverines, as the Sailors like to called, make a point of teaching the policemen to work together.

Read the rest here.

Good News from Iraq: 8 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Iraqi Police Take Over More Security Roles.

BAGHDAD — Security improvements in Baghdad continue to progress as Iraqi security forces conducted a transfer of authority in more than 10 Muhallas (neighborhoods) yesterday in the Karkh Directorate of Baghdad.

In the Kindi and Qadasiyah Muhallas of Baghdad, Iraqi Army (IA) Soldiers handed over security responsibilities to the Iraqi Police (IP).

“In the past months, the improvement in the security situation and the Iraqi Police capability gains have provided the IP the opportunity to take on independent responsibilities for security in their neighborhoods,” said Lt. Col. Michael Indovina, spokesman for the 18th Military Police Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

IP in the past 12 months have expanded their forces to more than 10,000 shurtas (policemen). Through the expansion and development partnership with the 18th Military Police Brigade and other Coalition efforts, the IP have grown and built their capabilities steadily and are preparing to take over more Muhallas in the near future.

IP continue to train daily to develop their community policing skills in order to take over security and police operations here in Baghdad.

In past weeks, IP and IA have conducted a relief in place (RIP) in selected areas of Baghdad. The RIP is a process where the IA Soldiers transition with IP to ensure there is a seamless transition of responsibilities and duties.

Read the rest here.