Tribe America

The big news on the streets today is that the people of Baqubah are generally ecstatic, although many hold in reserve a serious concern that we will abandon them again. For many Iraqis, we have morphed from being invaders to occupiers to members of a tribe. I call it the “al Ameriki tribe,” or “tribe America.”

I’ve seen this kind of progression in Mosul, out in Anbar and other places, and when I ask our military leaders if they have sensed any shift, many have said, yes, they too sense that Iraqis view us differently. In the context of sectarian and tribal strife, we are the tribe that people can—more or less and with giant caveats—rely on.
Read the rest @ Michael Yon

They can rely on us right up until a Democrat is elected President.

=<

New Data Shows Devastating Losses in Iraq

If the US media and the Dems were not so invested in defeat, this sort of data would be well known. Kudo's to Chuck at America's North Shore Journal for putting together these figures.

Another sign of progress in Iraq

I'm hesitant to distribute anything from the Washington Post as they tend to focus on negativity and portray anything and everything going on in Iraq as a sign of doom and failure. I believe this snippet was intended to be another harbinger of the four horsemen riding against our brave folks in Iraq but to that end, they failed. I think a deeper look into this graphic and some thought about the actual events described shows real progress on the part of the Iraqi police and on the part of our servicemen in dealing with the guerrilla tactics of the insurgency. When faced with a potent, well-planned and well-coordinated ambush (a sign of interference from professional soldiers from other troublesome "republics" in the area, perhaps) Iraqi police didn't crumble or run away, they worked with US forces to competently suppress the attack and ended up kicking butts and taking names. Milestones like these are important to the confidence of a budding force

The Insurgents' Increasingly Complex Tactics in Ambushes

This is what we are fighting for:

I came across this picture in the photo gallery of the Washington Post’s “Today In Photos” for April 6. I had to just sit and stare at it for several minutes. I couldn’t help but think what a contrast this idyllic setting with children playing and their parents resting in the sun in Baghdad’s al-Zawraa public park is with the normal images we get from the media in Iraq.

My first thought was “Hey! This can’t be Central Command propaganda as the anti-war activists would probably claim! This came from the Washington Post, of all places.” My second thought was “Why don’t we see more of these pictures?”
More.

Good question Skipper.

Quote of the Day

Imagine the surprise of the veteran Iraqi battalion last November when a young sheik, leader of a local tribe outside Ramadi, offered to point out the insurgents hiding in his hometown. "We have decided that by helping you," he said, "we are helping God."

Source.

Progress in Iraq Update

I know these seem like rapid fire posts on the progress in Iraq, but there is a LOT of progress to report lately. Amazingly, aside from ABC airing an occasional piece, the MSM (mainstream media) has been relatively silent on all of the progress. If I can find room for 10-15 stories per week, you think the press could find one worth reporting...

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers bring smiles to schools
Wednesday, 04 April 2007

AZ ZAIDON — The children, wide-eyed at the sight of Iraqi soldiers in their schools, seemed a little frightened at first, but within moments, as the soldiers began handing out cookies and asking questions about the day’s lessons, they warmed up.


Iraqi soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, visited two schools with troops of the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and the military transition team from 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, March 29. The visits, which provided much-needed school equipment like chalkboards and generators, also served to let the children and teachers see that the Iraqi troops serve the country and are available.

“Please give me your phone number,” Ta’if School Headmaster Nafir Abdullah asked the Iraqi troops. “And don’t be a stranger. This school is always open to you, and we would love to have you help educate the children.”

Sgt. Richard Fulham, a native of Toms River, N.J., and a squad leader with Troop A, 1-89, distributed cookies to several classes of youngsters.

“My mother-in-law made them for me, but I just had to give them to the kids,” he said. “I get too many cookies anyway.”

The children shouted and waved, competing for the troops’ attention and photographs before the teachers called them back to class.

“Most of the teachers here work without receiving a salary,” Abdullah explained. The school, while well-kept, is very poor. “There are plenty of terrorist attacks at night, but during the day it’s very safe. But we have no problems with the Iraqi or U.S. soldiers coming; please feel free to come anytime.”

At the Al-Haafaththa school just up the road, the combined patrol again distributed basic supplies and goodies to the children and teachers.

“We’re doing a humanitarian assistance operation here,” said Capt. Joshua Schneider, a native of Phoenix and the staff maneuver adviser to the Iraqi Army for military transition team 0632. “We’ve brought generators, blackboards, book bags filled with school supplies like pens and pencils and notebook paper, and activity books for school.”

About 60 Iraqi soldiers were part of the operation.

“The reception has been very good,” Schneider added. “The teachers and Iraqi soldiers are building stronger relationships, and that’s only going to help this area.”

“It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, helping the children,” said 1st Lt. Kevin Grilo, a native of Millington, N.J., and the executive officer for Troop A. “If we give them the ability to learn and get an education, they’re less vulnerable to other influences -- like extremist views.”

Platoon leader 1st Lt. Adam Robison, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was also upbeat about the mission.

“Seeing the kids respond to us handing out toys and book bags is always great -- they are so happy. It's like we’re Santa Claus to them,” Robison said. “I think doing missions like this with the Iraqi soldiers allows people to see that they (the soldiers) care and that they’re starting to take responsibility for their country so they can start taking over.”

Bush: Troops’ Hard Work in Iraq Will Impact the World
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2007 – The hard work U.S. troops are doing in Iraq is “laying the foundations of peace for generations to come,” President Bush told soldiers and family members today at Fort Irwin, Calif.

“The work that you have volunteered to do will have a lasting impact on the world in which we live,” the president told the troops.

By helping Iraq become a country that can sustain, defend and govern itself -- and become an ally in the war on terror -- the U.S. military will have delivered a significant blow to those who want to harm the American people, he said.

“The amazing thing about our United States military is that thousands and thousands of you have signed up knowing full well that we’re a nation at war,” he said. “You decided to put your country ahead of self in many ways.”
Read the Full Article.

Baghdad ‘Surge’ Produces Early Successes, Official Says
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2007 – Murders and kidnappings, the hallmarks of sectarian violence, have decreased in Baghdad since reinforcements of U.S. and Iraqi security forces began to flow into the city in mid-February as part of Operation Fahrd al-Qanoon, a senior U.S. military official said in Baghdad today.

“A clear reduction in the number of kidnappings and execution-style murders” has taken place across Baghdad since Fahrd al-Qanoon, or “Enforce the Law,” was launched to secure and tamp down violence in Baghdad and western Iraq, Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said to representatives of U.S.-based veterans groups during a telephone conference call.

There are “some preliminary good signs” that security measures are taking hold in Baghdad, Fox said, as U.S. and Iraqi forces continue to make their presence felt as they operate from 31 joint security stations established across the city.

“Our troops now are living and operating in the districts of Baghdad,” Fox said.
Read the Full Article.


Iraqi Security Forces discover weapons cache
BALAD – Iraqi Security forces conducted an early-morning sweep on April 4 in Diyala, seizing a large cache of ammunition and detaining four suspected insurgents.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces raided the suspected site in Imam al-Hajj Yusuf Village in the Diyala province, northeast of Baghdad.

The primary targets of this operation are alleged to be planning attacks against innocent Iraqi citizens, Coalition and Iraqi Forces.

No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.

Iraqi Police detain suspects tied to Tal Afar attacks
BALAD – Iraqi Security forces conducted a raid operation on April 3 in Nineveh Province, detaining two suspects believed to be involved in insurgent activities.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces raided a residence in the Nineveh Province northwest of Tal Afar and captured their primary targets.

Iraqi forces also detained 19 other suspicious individuals who were present during the operation.

The primary targets of this operation are alleged to be responsible for the recent vehicle borne improvised explosive device attacks on the people of Tal Afar, as well as attacks on Coalition and Iraqi Forces.

Iraqi Forces conduct raid in Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army forces conducted an early-morning operation on April 4 in Baghdad, capturing 10 suspects believed to be involved in a major terrorist cell.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces simultaneously raided several residences in the Adhamiyah neighborhood of Baghdad and captured their primary targets including the leader of the cell.

Coalition and Iraqi Forces encountered enemy-fire upon entry into one of the structures. Well aimed fire allowed Iraqi Security forces to kill one insurgent and wound another during the exchange.

The primary targets of this operation are alleged to be responsible for attacks on
Coalition and Iraqi Forces, as well as Iraqi civilians. The suspects were also linked to manufacturing and storing vehicle borne improvised explosive devices in a separate facility.

No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.

So far the surge is working. Don't let the Democrats rip defeat from the jaws of victory... support our troops, support the war on terror.

ABC Bucks MSM Trend, Reports Progress in Iraq

Bucking a long standing tradition, ABC news has broke the mainstream media silence to report some of the recent progress in Iraq. If you haven't seen this, you should wath it now!



Now if NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, C-Span, BBC, and the written press would follow suit, the Amercan people might change their mind, again, about their support for this War on Terror.

Centcom Reaches Out to Bloggers

I was contacted by a representative of CENTCOM today who had come across my Progress in Iraq posts.

The Sgt. informed me that CENTCOM is seeking to establish a relationship with bloggers to develop a dialogue about the Global War on Terror. He informed me of Centcom's weekly newsletter which contains 'stories about the humanitarian, reconstruction and security efforts taking place in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.'

I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the US military to reach out to people who would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn of the progress our military is making on a daily basis. During WWII, you couldn't watch a movie without seeing the progress reels that played before the movies. The military seemed to have unfettered access to the American people. These days, the mainstream media refuses to report anything positive happening in the middle east.

I understand the need to report the bad news too. The sad realities of war MUST also be reported by the press; however, to report ONLY the negative news does not present the reality of the situation either. The American press may as well be working for Al Qaeda when they openly report terrorist propaganda and refuse to report the progress our military men and women are making in the Middle East.

In any event, I am adding a link to CENTCOM on the sidebar and will add CENTCOM to my daily reader feeds so that I can expand my message about the progress not only in Iraq, but also to the greater global war on terror.

You may visit CENTCOM by clicking on the link below:



If you are a blogger and would like to get in contact with Centcom in order to learn more about the Global War on Terror, email me and I will help you get in contact with a CENTCOM representative.

Don't Look Now: More Good News from Iraq

Since the MSM (mainstream media) refuses to cover the good news in Iraq, it has been the job of the bloggers to help get the good word out about the US successes in Iraq. Despite everything the Democrats are telling you, this war in NOT a total failure and is definitely worth seeing out until victory is achieved.

I am going to divide this post into 3 types of stories: Military Achievements, Humanitarian Accomplishments, and Feel Good Stories.

In recent days, there has been a LOT of good news from Iraq. First we will cover some of the military achievements:

Surge shows results in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Though it’s still in its early stages, the surge operation in Baghdad is showing positive results, the Joint Staff’s deputy director for operations said.

Army Maj. Gen. Michael D. Barbero said attacks against Iraqi civilians are down about 20 percent, and civilian deaths are down 30 percent nationwide. In Baghdad, attacks against civilians are down 20 percent, with deaths down 50 percent.

Attacks using explosively formed projectiles are also down, from 38 in December to 22 this month, though the number of attacks against coalition forces has remained constant, Barbero said.

The Iraqi public also shows increasing signs of support, the general said.

Officials measure the support from polling data and from the number of tips they receive from Iraqi citizens, he explained. The number of tips is increasing.

“On 24 March, a tip from inside Sadr City led Iraqi and coalition forces to a cache inside Sadr City of more than 450 deadly anti-tank mines,” Barbero said. The general said he considers the raid especially important because Sadr City is a stronghold of support for radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s militia.

He cited polling data taken March 16-22 that indicates the Iraqi people are beginning to see results. The data shows Iraqis “are hoping the security plan will last and (that it is) showing signs of improvement. Iraqis are expressing greater confidence in the security plan and in their security forces.”

The general said people now are more concerned about basic needs such as electricity, water and sewage treatment rather than security.

The surge is designed to provide security and reduce violence in Baghdad to levels that will allow the Iraqi leadership to make political progress, he said. Barbero acknowledged that while the operation is off to a good start, problems remain.

High-profile attacks, especially those using suicide vests and vehicle bombs, have increased by about 30 percent, but they are less effective now, he said, crediting “increased and more effective security.”

While it is too early for rejoicing, the general said, but he noted that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government continues to fulfill its promises under the new security plan. The security plan calls for five U.S. brigades to be in place when it’s fully implemented.

The trends in Iraq are positive, Barbero said, and coalition and Iraqi forces are working to stay ahead of the enemy.

“We're seeing an enemy who is trying to make a statement and reacting to our operation, which is just … about six weeks old,” he said. “Only two of the brigades are on the ground, so we have a ways to go.”

Joint operation disrupts anti-Iraqi forces
Friday, 30 March 2007

BAQUBAH — Iraqi and Coalition forces began a joint operation targeting an Islamic State of Iraq power base at the Diyala River Valley Saturday.

During the ongoing operation, Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division and U.S. Army 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division killed more than 15 anti-Iraqi forces, detained more than 15 suspected terrorists, and unearthed eight weapons caches.

“The Iraqi security forces, with our support, will maintain an aggressive approach to operations in order to secure the population and defeat the terrorists,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. commander. “Working together, we are attacking the anti-Iraqi forces in their perceived safe havens.”

As Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to successfully hunt terrorists and their strongholds, the population gained confidence in the Iraqi security forces improved abilities to protect them.

“The ISF continues to improve as we conduct these operations together, and the people gain confidence in their security forces’ ability to take the fight to the enemy and secure the population,” said Sutherland.

The Iraqi security forces with the support of Coalition forces weakened the terrorists’ ability to harm the population by finding their weapons caches.

“These terrorist supplies have been used to attack the Iraqi and Coalition forces, and the local population in Diyala to destabilize the area,” said Sutherland. “However, the initiative and ability to seize every opportunity to aggressively attack the terrorists will actually destabilize the terrorists.”

The detainees have been transferred to Forward Operating Base Warhorse detention facility for further questioning.

The operation continues to destroy enemy safe havens, restoring hope and security to the people of the Diyala River Valley.

COALITION FORCES CAPTURE 11 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS IN RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces captured 11 suspected terrorists during operations targeting foreign fighter facilitator and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks Friday morning.
During an operation near the Syrian border, Coalition Forces captured six suspected terrorists with alleged links to al-Qaeda and foreign fighter facilitation.
Five more suspects with alleged involvement in foreign fighter facilitation were captured in a raid north of Karmah.

“These and other foreign terrorist facilitators are attempting to undermine the peace and stability the Iraqi people deserve,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.


SIX TERRORISTS KILLED, 10 SUSPECTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 10 suspects Sunday afternoon and Monday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq couriers and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices cells.

Monday, ground forces killed six terrorists in Mosul tied to VBIED attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. During the operation, ground forces entered the first of two targeted buildings and engaged three hostile men including one armed with a pistol. As one of the men charged at Coalition Forces, self-defense measures were used killing the three terrorists.

While approaching the second building, Coalition Forces began receiving enemy fire. Coalition Forces returned fire, killing three more terrorists.

In Baghdad, three suspects were detained with alleged ties to al-Qaeda courier operations and three more were detained for alleged involvement with VBIED emplacement operations.

On Sunday, Coalition Forces captured a suspected senior-level al-Qaeda in Iraq courier and an associate in an operation north of Karmah.

Also on Sunday, Coalition Forces captured two suspected terrorists southeast of Mosul who are allegedly involved in VBIED and rocket attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

“These operations demonstrate that the Coalition continues to whittle away at the Al Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Multi-National Force – Iraq spokesperson, Lt. Col. Christopher Garver. “Al Qaeda continues to demonstrate they are only interested in murder and destruction and are not interested in the peaceful future of a united Iraq. Eliminating the threat of Al Qaeda will make Iraq safer for all Iraqis.”


Two suspected terrorists detained in Sadr city raid

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi forces along with their Coalition advisors detained two suspected terrorists Saturday evening during a raid in Sadr City targeting anti-Iraqi forces.

As ground forces approached the targeted area, they began receiving enemy fire. Ground forces called for air support and Coalition aircraft delivered munitions, suppressing the enemy fire.

No one was wounded during the raid. One building received minor damage during the air strike.

“Coalition forces take exhaustive precautions to mitigate damage to Iraqi property while in pursuit of terrorists,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesman.


FOUR-DAY OPERATION RESULTS IN EIGHT TERRORISTS KILLED; SEVERAL WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES CACHES DESTROYED
Tuesday, 03 April 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – During a recent four-day operation beginning March 30 in Arab Jabour targeting al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists, Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists, detained 13 suspects, destroyed two explosives production facilities and several weapons caches.

Coalition Forces were engaged by the enemy multiple times during the operation. Coalition Forces used appropriate defense measures to eliminate the threat resulting in eight terrorists killed.

Among the weapons caches discovered, Coalition Forces found six DShK anti-aircraft heavy machineguns, 150 rocket propelled grenades, more than 30 rockets, plastic explosives, and several hundred mortar rounds. The weapons caches were destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.

On Monday, a Coalition Forces air strike destroyed two buildings housing large caches of explosives materials and chemicals used in the production of improvised explosive devices.

A total of 13 suspected terrorists were detained during the four-day operation.
No civilians were injured during the four-day operation.

“Coalition Forces continue to tear apart the al-Qaida network inside Iraq. This operation contributes to the reduction of this VBIED terrorist network’s ability to operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Iraqi citizens aid security forces
Tuesday, 03 April 2007

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi Army general and a spokesman for Multi-National Force-Iraq held a press conference concerning the progress of Fardh Al-Qanoon at the Combined Press Information Center Sunday.

...

“We’ve seen some initial progress, but our work will not be accomplished in days or weeks, but will require a sustained effort over the course of many months,” said Fox.

Along with the contribution of over 5,000 tips from Iraqi citizens, Iraqi and Coalition forces seized over 300 weapons caches, detained over 1,400 suspects and cleared over 300 improvised explosive devices in March including the rescue of a kidnapped family in Doura, Iraq, last week.

...

As violence decreases in Baghad and other cities, some terrorists have fled to areas surrounding the cities, placing the responsibility of security on tribal leaders.

“Tribal leaders and tribesmen are conducting operations against [terrorists],” said Moussawi. “We have noticed military operations carried out by the tribes in Al-Anbar, Diyala, Hillah, and Nineveh; they have chased and tracked down these terrorists.”

As the Coalition and Iraqi populace aid the Iraqi government, confidence in security is expected to improve the economy and help establish water, sewage and electric facilities.

“The people of Iraq and the people of Baghdad are sick and tired of this violence,” said Fox. “We’re going to accomplish this mission.”

Joint police work toward secure Iraq
Saturday, 31 March 2007

ISKANDARIYAH - ...

"Our mission as a police transition team is to make sure the (Iraqi police) are fully trained and qualified to take on the mission of securing their country and keeping the citizens safe," said Staff Sgt. Johnny Colon, squad leader and native of Guayama, Puerto Rico.

This mission is of the highest priority not only to the Iraqi police who are training but also for the civilians they are training to protect.

"In our area of operation, the important thing is that more of the local population is beginning to trust the IPs," said 1st Lt. Nathan Diaz, platoon leader for the Wolf Pack. "The people are happy to see the IPs going through their villages and towns patrolling the area as well as a large increase of information being given to the IPs to help combat the insurgents in the local areas."

"In the short time that we have been here, the human intelligence has grown dramatically," said Diaz. "We are getting more and more tips on events that could harm Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in the local neighborhoods."
...

British, Danish troops arrest members of Iraqi rogue militia
Sunday, 01 April 2007
RAF.AL QURNAH — British and Danish troops successfully detained a number of suspected rogue militants in Al Qurnah, 70 km north of Basrah, Iraq, on March 23.

The search and arrest operation, known as Operation Python 2 involved 450 British and Danish troops. The operation was based on information which suggested that a number of senior figures and members of a rogue militia, involved in attacks against coalition troops, could be found in that location.

The number of suspected rogue militants detained included one individual suspected of involvement in coordinating attacks across Iraq.

At least one member of the rogue militia was killed after opening fire on the Coalition troops.

During the operation a quantity of small arms, ammunition, grenades, night vision equipment and intelligence material were seized.
...

Militarily we are routing out terrorists, destroying their weapons caches, and winning over the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people... you wouldn't know this to talk to the reporters in Iraq.

Now we will look at some of the Humanitarian Accomplishments

Black Jack performs medical mission
Monday, 02 April 2007
BAGHDAD — As Haifa Street residents begin coming back out into the streets that were once too dangerous to step into, coalition and Iraqi security forces are beginning to lend a much needed hand in many of the basic needs.

So, with hundreds of medical supplies, a few Army medical soldiers and an Iraqi doctor and nurse on hand, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, used an elementary school to perform examinations on hundreds of local citizens during a medical mission in the Haifa Street district of Baghdad, March 24.

"It's really good that they are doing this," said a man who brought his daughter to the clinic. "With the security plan working now, we can come out again."

...

Within a five-hour period, the team saw more than 230 patients, who were mostly women and children, according to Rivers.

...

The people really like us being there," he said. "Every time we go, we get a really warm reception."


Maternity hospital agreement reached
Monday, 02 April 2007

AN NASIRIYAH — In an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and cooperation, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Provincial Reconstruction and Development Council (PRDC), and the Iraq Ministry of Health (MoH) signed a partnering agreement March 28 to build Al Musayib Maternity Hospital (MMH) in Iraq’s Babil Province.

“The partnering agreement is based on an essential interest in the successful and timely completion of a fully operational 50-bed maternity and pediatric hospital for the MoH,” said Robin Parks, project manager for GRS. “The main goal of the project is to reinforce support to the residents of Musayib and to the Babil Governorate. The community will get an aesthetically pleasing hospital where women can learn the importance of a safe and healthy pregnancy, and a childbirth program.”
...

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers give humanitarian aid to Tal’Afar
Sunday, 01 April 2007

TAL’AFAR – Iraqi security forces and Tal’Afar civic leaders provided aid and humanitarian assistance to Tal’Afar citizens displaced by the terrorist bombing Wednesday. The Iraqi military coordinated and flew a critical airlift resupply mission to Iraqi ground forces who distributed supplies to the population.

Coalition civil affairs teams provided assessments, making sure the aid was funneled through Iraqi leaders to areas who needed it most.

There is no question that part of winning over the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people is by providing them much needed humanitarian support. It would be nice if there was more international support for the Iraqi people, but as long as as the United States is able to, I am proud that we are helping the Iraqi people.

Finally, some feel good stories. The Iraq war is full of them, yet the press is reluctant to cover them.

Soldiers strive to make Iraqi village safe
Monday, 02 April 2007

KHAN DARI — On March 25, three improvised explosive devices went off here. Soldiers from Company E, 2nd “Lancer” Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment entered the village in an attempt to find the assailants.

“We know if we can continue getting information from anyone who can help us clean out insurgents here and find weapons caches, we’re making this a safer place down the line for the [citizens of the community],” said Staff Sgt. William Stone, a squad leader from the regiment. “All the people here say the same thing, they want our help, they want safety and they want the insurgents to go away.”

While asking the citizens about the IED strikes; Soldiers collected information about terrorist cells operating in the area, and inquired about the welfare of the people.

On their first stop, an Iraqi family greeted U.S. troops by offering them tea as a sign of friendship. Later an Iraqi man thanked the Soldiers for their help, telling them he felt safe when they were patrolling his neighborhood said Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Pluhar, Co. E, platoon sergeant.

“When you meet people like that you really feel like (you’re) doing some good,” Stone said.

While the mission did not yield much information about the three IEDs, the Soldiers said, it was a success because the trust and cooperation of the villagers led to information on other insurgents.

“It’s a great feeling to know we’re contributing to getting insurgents off the streets so the people don’t have to live in fear from someone killing their children or hurting them,” said Spc. Michael Evans, Co. E mortarman.

As the Iraqi Police and Army stand up and take the lead being able to protect the lives of Iraqi citizens may be considered a rewarding mission.

“I’ll be coming away from this with a lot bigger appreciation of life in general and knowing that I was doing something to help (both) the Iraqi and American people, so what happened on September 11th never happens again,” he added.

Soldiers sacrifice for Baghdad security
Tuesday, 03 April 2007
By Spc. L.B. Edgar,
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Baghdad — ...

Petraeus met with the leadership of the Iraqi army soldiers, who live and work with U.S. troops on a day-to-day basis. He encouraged the commander of 2nd Bn., 3rd Inf., Regt., 10th Iraqi Army Div.

“It’s your country. You’ve got to go out and take it back,” he said to the Iraqi troops. “We need Iraqis to want this as much as we do.”

In order for Iraqi security forces to take back their country from the insurgency, Soldiers like Mankaja, are serving as role models to their Iraqi counterparts.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen a lot of changes. Their tactics are better,” he said. “In a way, it kind of makes you feel good because you’re helping someone else to help their country.”

However, despite the early success, Petraeus said the Baghdad Security Plan is far from complete.

“It’s off to a solid start, but there is a long way to go, and we only have about 40 percent of the additional forces on the ground so far,” he said. “Our Soldiers partnered with Iraqi soldiers and police have made a difference in the neighborhoods in which they’ve become established. The idea is to, in fact, bring better security to the Iraqi people, so they can reopen their businesses (and) send their kids to school without fear.”

To accomplish this objective, Soldiers like Mankaja, have had to sacrifice the relative comforts of large, fortified base complexes for the austere living conditions of Combat Outposts and JSSs like Mansour.

There are no hot showers, Post Exchanges or dining facilities for the Soldiers to enjoy. Though the creature comforts are in the rear and not every meal is a hot one, Soldiers like Mankaja, adapt to their environment and take pleasure in what few amenities they are afforded.

Letters from home help take the Soldiers away from their Spartan conditions, if only for a little while.

“That helps me out a lot,” Mankaja said of receiving letters from home. “It’s a morale builder. It feels good to just sit down and read a letter – see how everyone is back home.”

Iraqi Police graduates key to future
Tuesday, 03 April 2007

BAGHDAD — Recruits of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division graduated from training at Forward Operating Base Falcon, March 28. This is the first group of “shurta,” Arabic for police, to come onto a U.S. forward operating base and receive complete, 24-hour-a-day training by a National Police Training Team.

...

The training program includes weapons marksmanship, drill and ceremony, physical training and ethics classes. Once the recruits execute those tasks to standard they move on to team exercises such as precision room clearing and conducting raids.

...

“During this time that we spent here on this (base), we got good training,” the Baghdad native said. “They care about us a lot. We want to say thanks for our American brothers.”

...

“The men were excited and very proud to get formalized training like this,” he said.

One of the key points Hubbard said he wanted the new police officers to take away from their training cycle is how to treat the Iraqi people.

“The way they treat them as policemen will decide whether (local residents) go against the Iraqi government or if they come on board,” he said. “These people are here to protect them and they need to understand that.”

Hubbard said that police staying involved with their local community is vital to the success of their mission.

“They need to embrace their community, and start doing the right thing from this day forward,” he said. “I believe that they’re ready to do that. They understand this is the key to victory.”

Program sends soccer balls to children
Thursday, 29 March 2007

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA — A program that will provide hundreds of soccer balls to Iraqi children began with a mother who wanted to send them candy.

Spc. Daniel McCoy from Omaha, Neb., a soldier with the 134th Infantry Long Range Surveillance Detachment, said his mother, Sue Behr, wanted to do something for Iraqi children. He mentioned that soccer balls would be a good idea, since the children enjoy the game and are always asking for them.

Behr walks McCoy’s little sister to elementary school each day, and mentioned to a counselor, Nancy Wedberg, about her son being deployed to Iraq. When Wedberg asked what the school could do to support him, Behr suggested the soccer balls. In September, Wedberg began a program she called “Our Child to Child” and began speaking to parents and children at other schools she serves.

“I was talking about the project at the other school I serve as a counselor and the parents there wanted their kiddos to be involved,” Wedberg said in an e-mail interview. “Then the principal of a third school asked, so ultimately students from three elementary schools participated.”

The first of 290 soccer balls were shipped here in December. Many of McCoy’s family and friends donated to the effort and businesses also contributed. One teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, gave $400 to help cover the shipping expense of the $1,800 worth of balls, Wedberg said.

Many of the children were involved from start to finish on the project.

“About half of the 290 balls shipped were bought by students earning $5 to buy a ball for a child in Iraq,” Wedberg said.

Once the soccer balls arrived in Omaha, the students had the opportunity to place a picture of themselves on a ball with their name. Peggy Rupprecht and the District Print Shop Staff worked hard to ensure the student picture and print cards were done for the students, Wedberg said.

The project saw its first products delivered on March 6 in the tiny village of Al Jamiah, Iraq, which is heavily populated with children. After the unit’s regular mission was complete, McCoy invited some children to join him by his Humvee. He proceeded to the trunk, popped the hatch, and dug out a huge bag with several balls.

The children went wild with excitement. While several soldiers from the 134th Infantry, LRSD, kept the area secure and safe, other trunks started to open up. Soon the town was full of youths wanting to get a soccer ball.

Not all of the balls were delivered to Al Jamiah, as the 134th Infantry will be able to visit other towns and villages surrounding Logistical Support Area Anaconda where the 1st Squadron, 167th Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target and Acquisition) defends the base.

McCoy, who serves as both a gunner and a driver for his unit, said he made sure that the children got a fair share and he purposely made sure that one little girl was given a ball. He said he was looking forward to seeing the children at the schools in Omaha when he returns from his deployment.

“The whole thing was neat. It is amazing how I don’t even know Nancy Wedberg except through e mails,” he said “I have only been to my sister’s school once and I already feel a bond with the school.”

With so much good news from Iraq, why can't the MSM be bothered to give a little front page room for all of the progress our soldiers are bringing to Iraq? As long as the MSM is dropping the ball, we bloggers have no other choice than to devote our pages to the progress being made in Iraq.

Progress in Iraq: "Headed in the Right Direction"

Iraq ‘headed in the right direction’
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — Several positive developments indicate that Iraq’s leaders and its people will eventually surmount insurgent violence occurring in the country and ultimately achieve stability, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Iraq told reporters in Baghdad today.

“In my view, although difficult challenges lie ahead, and there is a long way to go, Iraq is fundamentally headed in the right direction and success is possible,” Zalmay Khalilzad said at the news briefing.

President Bush has nominated Khalilzad, who has served as the top U.S. diplomat in Iraq for the past 21 months, to become the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Taking stock of the situation in Iraq, Khalilzad said he’s buoyed and “cautiously optimistic” about that country’s future due to several indicators:

- The early success of the Operation Law and Order anti-terrorist campaign in Baghdad and western Iraq.

- The improved performance of Iraqi soldiers and police.

- The Iraqi government’s example of dealing evenhandedly with lawbreakers.

- More Iraqis are turning their backs on al Qaeda.

- Some Iraqi insurgent groups have agreed to fight al Qaeda terrorists and work toward reconciliation.

- Iraq’s leaders are reaching out to include all Iraqis in the sharing of the country’s oil wealth.

- Improvement in Iraq’s economic situation.

- Iraqi leaders’ comprehensive plan to achieve national reconciliation and stability.

Indeed, ongoing joint U.S., coalition and Iraqi security operations in Baghdad “appear to be having a positive effect,” Khalilzad said, noting violence has decreased in Iraq’s capital city by about 25 percent since Operation Law and Order began in mid-February.

The Iraqi security forces “are performing better and they are doing better in terms of carrying their share of the burden,” Khalilzad pointed out. Iraqis seem to appreciate the presence of their soldiers and police on the streets to help effect stability, he said, noting citizen-provided tips about insurgent activity have been flowing in steadily.

Also, the Iraqi government is bolstering its credibility among its citizens, Khalilzad said, by dispensing justice fairly without discriminating against any one group. Iraqi involvement with al Qaeda is on the wane, Khalilzad said, adding that some insurgent elements have openly turned against al Qaeda.

Some of these insurgents are “in touch with the (Iraqi) government, seeking reconciliation and cooperation in the fight against al Qaeda terrorists,” the ambassador said.

And the recent approval of a national hydrocarbon law that shares the nation’s oil wealth with all citizens demonstrates that the Iraqi government is reaching out to all Iraqis, Khalilzad said.

Iraq’s economic situation is looking up, and the Iraqi government has committed $10 billion for reconstruction programs, the ambassador said.

“Iraqi leaders have also adopted measures on fuel import liberalization, investment law reform and fuel subsidy reductions, as well as maintaining fiscal discipline,” said he added.

Iraq’s leaders also are taking steps to achieve good relations with neighboring countries, Khalilzad said, while continuing government efforts to achieve reconciliation between the nation’s different sects and tribes.

“Also, the United States and Iraq have agreed on a combination of pressure and engagement to create incentives for changes in behavior on the part of states currently seeking to destabilize Iraq,” the ambassador said.

Though these are all significant indicators and developments for Iraq, more needs to be accomplished, he said, to maintain the positive momentum.

Iraqi leaders need to enact a program to demobilize militias, make amendments to the constitution, schedule provincial elections, and reformulate the de-Baathification program so that insurgents can lay down their arms and join the political process, Khalilzad said.

“Iraqis have an unprecedented opportunity” to establish a better life for themselves, Khalilzad said. Yet, Americans and their elected representatives, he said, would like the Iraqi government to achieve more progress involving reconciliation, constitutional amendments and other issues.

“The members of the coalition as well as other countries have made enormous sacrifices to give Iraqis the chance to build a stable and democratic order,” Khalilzad said. “Iraqis must not lose this opportunity, and they must step up and take the tough decisions necessary for success.”

Success is possible... if we don't put deadlines or pull-out dates in the way of victory.

I don't care much whether you believe that the war in Iraq was a good idea, in hindsight. What matters is that we are currently at war, and the consequences of failure in Iraq cannot be understated.

That being said, the Democrats offer a plan of withdrawal while the President offers a plan for victory, a plan which is working.

Americans can either support surrender or support victory in Iraq. Which shall it be?

I say, Support the Surge! Let the Democrats in Congress know that "Slow bleed" is not a plan for victory, that the surge is working, and that history will judge them as traitors.

More Good News From Iraq

But you have to visit Blackfive to see it.

Read more about the progress in Iraq.

Uh Oh, More Good news from Iraq

Warning, this post may challenge your preconceived notions about who is winning the Iraq War. A Perfect Contradiction cannot be held responsible for any spontaneous aneurysm that may result from the actual truth reaching your brain.

Lets start off with:

Downturn in violence, increased confidence
American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD — Violence is down in Iraq and Iraqis “are starting to see this growth and gaining new confidence,” a coalition spokesman said.

Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell told reporters at a news conference that the decrease in violence has created an opportunity for new progress.

Combined efforts between coalition forces and Iraqi fighting forces have brought down the level of violence in the Iraqi capital, Caldwell said.

“Iraqi forces are getting better each day, and are demonstrating the commitment needed to defend the government and the people,” he added.
Read more.

If the surge is working, and it clearly is, then why are the Democrats so hell bent on pulling out of Iraq before victory is achieved? The answer, of course, is they want us to lose the Iraq war. They don't see a loss in Iraq as an American loss, they see a loss in Iraq as a political loss for the Republicans, George Bush in particlar. Their hatred of the right is so pervasive and so perverse that they are willing to sacrifice the lives of potentially millions of Iraqi's in order to achieve their short term political goals. But I digress, back to the progress in Iraq.

On the home front, after 4 years of decidedly negative media coverage, the MFN is reaching out directly to the American people, via You Tube.

Coalition operations on YouTube
Combined Press Information Center

YouTube users around the globe are tuning in for a unique view of the Multi-National Force – Iraq mission. It is the same view those on the ground have during combat and support operations.

Army officials here launched the military coalition’s channel on the popular video-sharing Web site March 7 and, 10 days later, are reporting more than 15,000 channel views and have passed 39,000 total views of the video clips currently posted.

“We launched this channel as a way to help tell the complete story about what coalition forces are doing in Iraq, but even we have been surprised by the high level of interest it has generated,” said Brent Walker, webmaster for www.mnf-iraq.com and the new channel’s supervisor. “It is exciting that people are responding to this footage. It shows people have a genuine interest in developing a more informed perspective on what is happening in Iraq.”

The initiative has attracted attention from several media sources and bloggers across the Internet, which is helping to drive up the channel’s viewership, Walker said.

“There are increasing numbers of people every day receiving their news and information in new and exciting ways. We want to be a part of that, and YouTube provides an excellent vehicle for sending this information to this unique audience,” he said.

The initiative also received strong support from MNF-I leadership and quickly moved from brainstorming sessions to action.

“We want the American public, from an unfiltered vantage point, to be able to see what coalition forces and Iraqi security forces are doing here in Iraq,” said Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, MNF-I spokesman.

Mechanisms are in place so video clips can quickly and accurately be posted to the Web site, while still adhering to operational security requirements, Walker said.
Read more.

Back to Iraq, Sadr City in particular. I've been blogging a bit about Sadr City recently, there has been a lot of good news coming out of what used to be one of the largest hot spots for violence in Iraq. The US forces along with Iraq Forces recently held a humanitarian outreach effort, providing medical aid to some of the poorest residents of Iraq.

Medical assistance operation in Sadr City
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi police from the 8th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division and paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team conducted a humanitarian medical assistance operation in Sadr City Mar. 17 as part of operations to bring security and stability to the former Mahdi Army stronghold.

Iraqi and Coalition medical providers treated 453 people, including 153 women and 122 children, during the first large-scale humanitarian aid operation conducted in Sadr City since Iraqi and Coalition forces moved into the area in early March.

“Medical operations are just one way that we can make an immediate positive impact in areas in which we operate. This is just the beginning of a long-term program to improve the quality of life for residents of Sadr City,” said Maj. Kyle Simpson, Brigade Civil Affairs Officer for the 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div.

“As we move forward, we will work with the Iraqis to improve the security, infrastructure, and economic conditions in Sadr City. It will take time, but life will get better in Sadr City,” added the civil affairs officer.

While residents were waiting to be seen, Civil Affairs Soldiers asked them about needs in their community in order to plan future development projects. Iraqi policemen and U.S. paratroopers also passed out hundreds of soccer balls, clothing, toys, shoes, and school supplies.

Since Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces entered Sadr City as part of the Baghdad Security Plan, violence has dropped off 75% and the overall security situation has dramatically improved since December, when surge troops began arriving.

Did you get that last part? The surge is WORKING and we are WINNING in Iraq.

Still need proof?

Fardh Al-Qanoon lowers violence in northwest Baghdad
BAGHDAD — Violence has reduced since moving Coalition forces out of big forward operating bases and into smaller community-based combat outposts as part of the Fardh Al-Qanoon, a senior Army officer serving there said Friday.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division has seen a significant drop in violence over the past few months in the province of Shula and Kadtimiya, said Col. J.B. Burton, the unit’s commander.

Murders are down, from 141 in January to 63 in February to only 16 so far in March, he said. However the area has seen an increase in car bombs targeting Shiite gathering places, Burton said.

About one million people live in the area patrolled by Burton’s troops. It is principally Shiite-occupied in the northeast, Sunni in the west and southwest, and mixed in the southeast. Sectarian fault lines define the areas, and both Sunni and Shiia extremists fight for control over portions of the city and its citizens, said Burton.

Burton stated that the decline in violence was directly attributed to his Soldiers living in the neighborhoods and working side by side with the Iraqi security forces.

Originally, the combat outposts were designed solely to create and keep a troop presence in the community. However, they have transformed the outposts into combined command posts, or joint security stations, with Iraqi forces working in cooperation with Coalition forces. This allowed for better and faster information sharing and easier operations planning, Burton said.

“Every day I go out and visit these joint security stations, I see better interoperability, increased command and control processes and increased sharing of information,” Burton said. “What we started out with as a means to get Coalition forces out into the battlefield has grown into a very promising effort to execute combined operations across western Baghdad.”

But, while violence has decreased since implementing the Fardh Al-Qanoon, Burton was quick to add that it is still too early to say how long the downturn will last.

“Make no mistake, we are not proclaiming victory yet. There's a lot of tough work ahead, but we are very optimistic,” Burton said.

Still need proof?

Troop surge paving way for political solution
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — The U.S. troop surge in Iraq is in its early stages, but seems to be paving the way for a political solution to the country’s woes, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said on CBS's “Face the Nation.”

“The way I would characterize it is so far so good,” Gates said in his first network one-on-one interview since taking over at the Pentagon in December.

Gates said the situation in Iraq cannot be solved by the military alone, but the troop surge is helping create a political environment where issues can be sorted out among the Iraqis. “We’re basically buying them time. That’s the purpose of this whole strategy,” he said. “They’re going to have to step up to the plate. And we can help them by giving them the time to do that, and to make their military forces able to carry the burden by themselves.”

In January, President Bush pledged 21,500 additional U.S. troops to Iraq to help stem sectarian violence, and last week the Defense Department announced that 7,000 more support troops are on their way to Iraq.

Gates said the Iraqis are meeting their commitments and working to reconcile their differences. “The troops they have promised are showing up,” he said. “They are allowing operations in all neighborhoods. There is very little political interference with military operations.”

Gates said Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, has said it will probably be summer before it’s known if the surge has been successful. “That’s why we have to wait and see what kind of trend line appears over the next weeks and few months,” Gates said.

U.S. military commanders anticipate that as the U.S. changes its strategy in Iraq, terrorists and insurgents will also change strategies by operating in areas on the outskirts of Baghdad.

Al Qaeda in Iraq leaders have stated that they wanted to create a firm base in Anbar province and other areas to destabilize Iraq’s neighbors and launch attacks against the U.S.

Characterizing the situation in Iraq as a civil war is an oversimplification, Gates said. “The reality is that stoking sectarian violence is a very specific strategy on the part of al Qaeda and the insurgents,” he said. “You don’t have thousands of Shia and Sunni falling in on each other or attacking each other. You have hit squads going around the city.”

The defense secretary also talked about the vote to take place this week in the U.S. House of Representatives on a bill that would place constraints and a timeline for U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq. Gates said everyone involved in the debate is patriotic and looking out for America’s best interests, and that most people agree, regardless of political affiliation, that leaving Iraq in chaos would be a mistake.

“We’re all wrestling with what’s the best way to bring about a result that serves the long-term interest, not only of the Iraqi people but of the United States,” he said.

Gates said he was concerned that the specific deadlines and strict conditions in the House bill will make it “difficult, if not impossible” for military commanders to achieve their objectives. “And frankly, as I read it, the House bill is more about withdrawal, regardless of the circumstances on the ground, than it is about trying to produce a positive outcome.”

Lest you think this is the only good news from Iraq in the past few days, take your time and enjoy the following:
Soldiers kill two insurgents before they can plant roadside bomb
Coalition Forces Detain 18 Suspected Terrorists
Iraqi Security Forces Soldiers stop suicide bombers
Coalition forces capture 12 suspected terrorists
Troops Find Weapons Cache, Detain Two Suspected Insurgents
Paratroopers find large weapon cache
IED maker, eight other suspects detained in raids
Coalition Forces Detain Nine Suspected Terrorists in Raids

Iraq Progress Update: Soldiers Greeted by Cheering Children in Sharqot

This past weekend I watched a news story about the dwindling subscription numbers for traditional newspapers. Believe it or not, I have the solution to the newspaper industry woes. When the NYT's starts putting articles like this next one on it's front page, I and countless others will subscribe. Until then, and as long as they only cover terrorist propaganda and the US body count, I simply will not buy the newspapers.

Enjoy a story the traditional media would not dare print:

Army platoon enters uncharted territory
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
By Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico

SHARQOT — In a moment reminiscent of the first triumphant days of the Iraq war, American Soldiers walked through a crowd of cheering Iraqi children. On a dirt road in the village of Sharqot, the children whistled loudly for the Soldiers, then, remarkably, broke into applause.

Surprised, 1st Lt. Michael E. Havey Jr. beamed at the cheering crowd.

“That was pretty monumental,” said Havey, platoon leader of 3rd platoon, Battery A, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. “(Before) they wouldn’t even give us a wave.”

Territory for Soldiers of 5-82 FA, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Bliss, Texas was recently expanded to include Sharqot, a town about 60 miles south of Mosul.

The people of Sharqot have remained mostly unexposed to coalition forces since the beginning of the war, said Havey.

In Sharqot, the coalition Soldiers have a chance at a fresh start with the Iraqi people.

“I’m trying to work with the people so that they understand that I’m there to help them, not hurt them, with my forces,” said Lt. Col Robert McLaughlin, battalion commander.

Soldiers of Havey’s platoon, who are in charge of Sharqot, find themselves in a delicate situation. They have to root out terrorists believed to be hiding in the area, without isolating the people of Sharqot.

The happy scene of children cheering was a stark contrast to another scene hours earlier, when Havey had sat before an Iraqi colonel, asking him to convince his Iraqi soldiers to join his own Soldiers in handing out clothing and blankets to needy people in the town.

The colonel refused. He recommended Havey get the people of Sharqot to welcome the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon, then maybe his Iraqi soldiers would be willing to be seen working alongside the Americans.

“When you make relationship with the people outside, then we go with you,” said the Iraqi colonel, through an interpreter. The colonel is the commander of the 13th Strategic Infrastructure Battalion, the Iraqi army unit responsible for the Sharqot area.

“They are afraid of working side by side with coalition forces,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gabriel Boyd, platoon sergeant for 3rd Platoon. Boyd said he thinks the Iraqi soldiers feel terrorists will target their families and other people in Sharqot if they work with the 3rd Platoon troops.

Townspeople are guarded about how coalition presence will change the security situation in Sharqot, said leaders of 5-82 FA.

“Maybe the people were a little bit complacent in the fact that things were quiet, but they didn’t care how or why they were quiet,” said Havey. “They were willing to put up with having terrorists and other people coming through so long as it wasn’t directly harming them.”

But Soldiers of 3rd Platoon cannot ignore terrorist presence in the area.

“As long as they are complacent and quiet about it, it will continue to grow. (Terrorists) will continue to launch operations from that area,” Havey said, “Eventually it will come back to (the people)…That’s only bad for them,” he said.

So the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon, Battery A are patiently trying to win over the people of Sharqot. They hope their concentrated efforts will pay off, not only in earning the respect of the townspeople, but also in stopping terrorists from spreading their influence.

Based on the advice of the 13th SIB commander, Soldiers of 3rd Platoon are courting the sheiks of Sharqot as a way to earn the trust of the 13th SIB Soldiers. Havey believes having the trust of the Iraqi soldiers is an indicator of the feelings of the people of Sharqot, since most of the SIB Soldiers are from the Sharqot area.

“Sheiks, particularly in this area, seem to hold more influence and more power, even though they don’t hold an official position,” Havey said, referring to the fact that Iraqi soldiers are more likely to listen to their sheik instead of government officials.

“If we win the Sheiks’ hearts, we can also win the people,” said Boyd.

In the past six weeks, since 3rd Platoon started operating in Sharqot, the Soldiers have met with the Sharqot sheiks and the city council. They have signed contracts with local workers for small projects in the area, including one to clean up trash in the town.

One of the most influential sheiks in Sharqot has seen the work of 3rd Platoon Soldiers and is spreading the good word to his people, said Boyd. When the Soldiers handed out clothing and blankets to the people of Sharqot, it was from the home of the sheik.

“Just the people seeing us with him, and him feeling safe with us, meant a great deal,” said Havey.

“The ultimate goal is to be able to work with 13th SIB Soldiers and Iraqi Police in Sharqot, build the trust with the local populace, continue working projects in the area for the people and interdict any anti-Iraqi forces that may be influencing the population of Sharqot,” Boyd said.

With the new security plan in Baghdad, 5-82FA Soldiers believe terrorist activity could increase in their area.

“If we control the area of Baghdad, obviously anti-Iraqi forces will try to push somewhere,” Boyd said.

And the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon are intent that that “somewhere” will not be Sharqot.

“We don’t want any anti-Iraqi forces coming from the south to influence the people of Sharqot,” Boyd said

“It’s a hard process down there and our Soldiers are working patiently,” Boyd said

Already their efforts are paying off. Havey said the people have begun to warm up to the platoon Soldiers.

“They seemed a lot more relaxed,” he said.

With a smile he recalls the cheering children.

“It was a pretty moving moment,” Havey said.

Mysterious "Substances" Found in Iraq Weapons Cache

It's probably nothing, but I thought I'd better mention it:

Coalition, Iraqi forces dismantling terrorist network
Saturday, 10 March 2007

IRAQ — Coalition and Iraqi forces detained 48 suspected terrorists and found several weapons caches in operations throughout Iraq on March 5 and 6.

Coalition forces detained 24 suspected terrorists during several raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq networks.

- In southern Baghdad, ground forces detained eight suspected terrorists during a raid in which they targeted a group reported to be involved in the coordination, movement and emplacement of car bombs used against Iraqi and coalition forces.

- In Rutbah, coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting a suspected weapons dealer who is known for providing improvised explosive device-making material and is also believed to be involved in foreign fighter facilitation.

- In Samarra, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists. Intelligence reports indicate terrorists in the targeted area are involved in weapons trafficking and the acquisition of identity cards and passports.

- Northeast of Karmah, coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists with alleged ties to senior al Qaeda in Iraq leadership.

"Coalition forces operations continue to systematically dismantle the al Qaeda in Iraq network," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "The al Qaeda in Iraq network is contrary to the peace and stability Iraqi citizens deserve."

In other developments, Iraqi army troops and paratroopers from Multinational Division Baghdad worked together to successfully complete "Operation White Rockets," finding two ammunition caches and detaining two suspects.

Soldiers of 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Squadron, dismounted to clear out suspected insurgent sanctuary areas near Bin Muhammad, south of Baghdad.

They discovered and confiscated caches consisting of homemade explosives, some unknown substances, weapon parts and ammunition.

While troops clearing buildings, they detained two suspects. An explosive ordnance disposal team secured the ammunition caches for controlled detonation. The unknown substances are being tested for identification.

Elsewhere, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained 22 insurgent suspects and secured weapon and ammunition caches south of Baghdad March 6.

Soldiers of 3rd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, conducted targeted raids to capture known terrorists and secure weapons and ammunition near Jabella. Besides the 22 detainees taken into custody, several caches were found.

The caches consisted of a 60 mm mortar round, two sticks of dynamite, 9 feet of detonation cord, three blasting caps, three AK-47 ammunition magazines, three passports, a machine gun barrel, an AK-47 butt stock, two empty ammunition boxes, one box of primers, two AK-47s, six 7.62 mm ammunition magazines, one 8 mm round, two 8 mm mortar fuses, five blasting caps, and a rocket-propelled-grenade booster.

Like I said, it is probably nothing, but until the tests come back we can't rule this out as being insignificant.

It's good to see that the progress in continuing in Iraq.

Read more of the recent Progress in Iraq.

More Progress in Iraq

I know, I know I just did one of these yesterday, but when there is progress to report there is progress to report.

This first story really touched me. Not in a misty eyed, go salute the flag sort of way, but I think this story represents the kind of progress that cannot be measured.

In America we take so much for granted. If you wanted to, you could stop reading this post right now and go take a 5 hour shower and think nothing of it. You could go turn on the faucet and pour a nice, tall, clean glass of water with ice cubes if you wanted... though in America we are so stuck up now that you would probably go to the fridge instead and pull out a bottle of water that you bought from the store, because that water is somehow more "pure" than our "dirty" tapwater.

I say we take these things for granted, because when we enjoy the clean water that we have come to expect, we never even consider what people in some parts of the world must do for water. In Iraq, the US Forces just opened another water treatment facility. Prior to that, the Iraqi people of Al Kuaam had to have water delivered from a neighboring city at the price of:

$3 U.S. for 45 gallons. The average unskilled laborer in Al Kuaam earns about $30 a month. Most families have at least eight members.

At the Red Cross's minimum recommended one gallon per person per day, a typical family's 240-gallon monthly water debt would cost more than half their total budget. Unable to afford clean water, most families drew water from the local rivers. According to UNICEF, 2 million tons of raw sewage is released into Iraqi rivers each day.

So that is why this story really touched me. This sort of progress isn't likely to put an end to Al Qaeda in Iraq, or keep Iran from selling IEDs to insurgents, but this sort of progress will allow people who could not afford clean water a chance to have something we in America all take for granted.

Unlike the progress in Sadr City, I KNOW this is the sort of story that the US press will ignore, but it is the sort of story we should all be telling:

Team opens sixth water plant


CAMP ADDER — Children, community leaders and Coalition Forces attended the opening of a reverse osmosis water-treatment plant in Al Kuaam, Iraq, a small rural farming village of 2,000 people on the south bank of the Euphrates River, Feb. 18.

"We all know how important clean water is to public health, agriculture, and economic development," said Lt. Col. Larry Herke, chief of staff for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division.

"The water treatment plant is a great example of the Iraqi Government making progress to restore basic services to the people of Iraq," said Herke.

The water purified by the plant is available to passersby through free faucets on site and distributed throughout the village by water trucks for a fee.

To put this in context, consider conditions before the plant opened: water was delivered from a neighboring city at the price near $3 U.S. for 45 gallons. The average unskilled laborer in Al Kuaam earns about $30 a month. Most families have at least eight members.

At the Red Cross's minimum recommended one gallon per person per day, a typical family's 240-gallon monthly water debt would cost more than half their total budget. Unable to afford clean water, most families drew water from the local rivers. According to UNICEF, 2 million tons of raw sewage is released into Iraqi rivers each day.

Using contaminated water is one of the reasons 80 percent of all patients at the local hospital suffer from waterborne diseases.

"The plant is capable of providing 20,000 liters of water an hour," said Capt. Colin Fleming, deputy civil military operations officer.

The 20,000 liters of water an hour is more than enough water for Al Kuaam. The plant can now provide enough clean water for more than 150,000 people.

The construction of the plant employed more than 45 local contractors and engineers funded by Coalition Forces through the brigade combat team. Since unemployment in the area is a major cause of unrest, the workers and their family members are thankful for the jobs in addition to the safe water.

The event was attended by Italian officials from the Provincial Reconstruction Team and Australian soldiers of the Overwatch Battle Group West 2 Civil Military Cooperation team. The Australian team met with local officials to work towards their own reconstruction projects in Dhi Qar province. Al Kuaam is located 70 miles west of An Nasariyah, the capital of Dhi Qar province in southeast Iraq.

The Al Kuaam plant is the sixth of its kind opened during the deployment of the 1/34 BCT.

The Minnesota National Guard 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division includes soldiers from Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, New Jersey, Georgia, and California plus several active-duty units.

This next story is the kind of progress that will put an end to the violence in Iraq:

Suspected AQ Media Emir, alleged "Butcher" captured in raids

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and captured 16 suspected terrorists including an alleged al-Qaeda media emir during raids Friday morning throughout Iraq.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured an al-Qaeda related suspect known as “The Butcher” who is allegedly responsible for numerous kidnappings, beheadings, and suicide operations in the Ramadi and Mosul areas. Coalition Forces captured five additional suspects and killed one terrorist during the raid.

During operations in Fallujah, Coalition Forces captured two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation.

Northeast of Karmah, a suspected al-Qaeda media emir was captured along with seven others. The suspects are also believed to be part of an al-Qaeda courier network.

“Coalition Forces will continue to target al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist facilitators regardless of where they may hide,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

This next story is interesting: it makes me thing back to what I've leanred about WWII, and how important a role the radio played in reporting the events of the war.

Stations broadcast throughout Iraq

DIYALA — The Independent Radio and Television Network in Diyala is now transmitting broadcasts throughout the province, as well as to Baghdad, Fallujah, Tikrit, Al Kut, Balad and other areas throughout Iraq after three months of virtually no local media in the area.

The radio station broadcasts on 99.2 FM, while the television station broadcasts on UHF Channel 34. These stations will broadcast a mixture of popular music and TV programming, news, information and educational programming, and religious discussion.

One of the premier new shows, "Common Ground," will feature four Iraqi friends, two Sunni and two Shia, one of whom is a woman, talking about the world they share. They will discuss common and different customs, all within the context of living together in peace.

Additionally, the Balad Ruz and Khanaqin radio stations continue to transmit daily to their local populations, while an ongoing project is under way to restart the printing of the Al Parlaman newspaper.

"These changes represent positive steps toward ending the culture of fear and rumor that enables terrorists to intimidate the people," said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander and senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala.

The availability of these networks is important, as the government of Diyala and the Iraqi Security Forces are able to inform their people of efforts and progress in the province.

Governor Ra'ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tanimi, the Provincial Governor, said he will provide information and perspective to his people through interviews and statements to these stations. Media that focuses on Diyala is critical to a transparent and representative government and security force.

In the past two weeks, Ra'ad has conducted three media engagements discussing his plans for security and support to the region.

"These stations are important because they allow the people to see their government at work," added Sutherland. "The Provincial Council will be able to show the people of this province their work on various issues such as the Provincial Budget and reconstruction projects. These stations represent a tremendous source of news and information for the people of Diyala, and a way to end unwarranted hysteria."

Last, but not least (for this post anyway):

Marines dispose of weapons, explosives

CAMP ELLIS — Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines attached to the California-based Battalion Landing Team 2nd Marines, 4th Marine Regiment have supported current operations in the Barwanah area by disposing of weapons and explosives found in caches throughout the area.

To date, EOD has disposed of more than 2,000-plus pounds of weapons and explosives since operations began here in late November.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Salyi, EOD chief from Combat Logistics Battalion 15 attached to BLT 2/4, the weeks in Barwanah have not slowed much since the beginning of operations.

Though the weapons caches have become smaller due to the efforts of Marines on sweeping operations, calls still come in on a daily basis keeping Salyi and his Marines busy.

Salyi explained, even though the caches being found are smaller, they are new. What this means for Marines working in the area is the amount of weapons and explosives that would be used by anti-Iraqi forces are being depleted.

“I’d say overall the weeks haven’t really slowed down for us. The quantity of calls we’ve done have declined, but we still go out nearly every day. Usually the stuff that we find is minimal now. But it is new, meaning it has recently been brought into this area,” said Salyi, a San Diego, native.

A typical cache usually consists of some type of ammunition, usually for an AK-47 assault rifle, the most commonly used weapon of AIF. Aside from ammunition, rifles and munitions such as mortar and artillery rounds are typically found, said Salyi.

Long range cordless phones are another item has been found in several of the caches throughout the area. These give insurgents the ability to detonate improvised explosive devices from remote locations, he said.

Though IEDs and weapons caches are common, the way the weapons are being employed has changed dramatically, Salyi said. Believing that the AIFs surplus of weapons are being used up, and with the IED builders being captured or leaving the area, many of the items being found recently have been imported into the region by new AIF personnel.

“This area has matured greatly in the planning and ability to employ IEDs. Now, they don’t have the ordnance left or the people to manufacture them. But what they are getting into this area of operations and what they are able to do has changed dramatically,” said Salyi.

“We have found IEDs that were wired to accept two form of initiation, electric blasting caps for pressure plate (IEDs) and a tail of detonating cord primed in to the nose, so they could use that in conjunction with a land mine to enhance the explosion. The part that makes this significant is that no one has seen those here before,” said Salyi.

The average size cache here, according to Staff Sgt. Daniel Thibeault, an EOD Marine with CLB-15 in support of BLT 2/4, is typically about 100 pounds of explosives or ordnance. The largest cache that he recalls destroying consisted of approximately 1,100 pounds.

“The biggest one we’ve (destroyed) was about 1,100 pounds which was located south (of here) and with the high explosive we put on it, it was about a 1,400 pound shot,” he said.

Having been on more than 80 calls, Thibeault explained, the first weeks were busy. But due to their arduous work, a sizeable dent has been made in the amount of weapons and explosives being found.

“We’ve done four or five missions in one day, but it just depends on the day (that dictates) how busy you are,” said Thibeault, a Lewiston, Maine, native. “I mean, whenever the phone rings we’re wondering ‘are we going or not.’”

The EOD carries an array of tools to ensure the job gets done right and done safely, explained Thibeault. Loaded down robots, explosives, a bomb suit and a sniper rifle, the team has several options on hand to deal with each situation as necessary.

For Thibeault, the job is relatively safe approximately 50 percent of the time. Most of the time when he and the rest of the team are called out, it is simply to destroy a cache of weapons. It’s not until the occasional IED is found the job becomes tricky.

“The scary part is when it comes to IEDs. I’m not going to lie. I don’t like going on the IED calls much. But as long as we get there and do a thorough search of our area, then it’s a relatively safe environment because anything we do to that IED is going to be done remotely,” said Thibeault.

BLT 2/4 is currently deployed to Iraq as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and has been operating in the Barwanah area since late November.

ABC Reports Surge/New Security Efforts Working

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen with my own eyes.





As much as I complain about the press not covering the good news in Iraq, there isn't much I can say about this piece.

Look away! Progress in Iraq Update: 8 More Terrorists Sent to Hell

Be sure not to leak this info to the press...

Since they (the mainstream media) refuse to cover it, I will. I think all bloggers should be covering the progress in Iraq.

One terrorist killed, two wounded south of Tikrit

TIKRIT, Iraq – One terrorist was killed and two were wounded by aerial surveillance helicopters March 4, just south of Tikrit when they were found removing munitions from a cache site.

Paratroopers from Battery B, Task Force 1-319th, were immediately dispatched to search the area. More than 600 mortar rounds and anti-tank mines with fuses were discovered. An explosive ordnance detachment conducted a controlled detonation of the munitions at the site.

The wounded individuals were evacuated for medical care and the body of the deceased was transported to the Tikrit morgue.


Seven terrorists killed during raid on suspected VBIED cell

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed seven terrorists during an operation Wednesday and captured six others today while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Intelligence reports indicated terrorists directing vehicle-borne improvised explosive device operations and the distribution of IEDs and weapons were operating at a targeted location in Mosul.

Coalition Forces approaching the targeted area by helicopter received enemy fire from several vehicles. Coalition Forces returned fire from the helicopter, killing five terrorists.

Coalition Forces continued their mission and searched the targeted buildings and found a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, RPG rounds, and assault weapon magazines. They destroyed the weapons cache on the site to prevent further use by terrorists.

After clearing the targeted buildings, ground forces began receiving sniper and machine gun fire from another building. Ground forces returned fire killing two terrorists.

Today, four suspected terrorists with alleged ties to IED attacks were captured in an operation northeast of Karmah. Two more suspects were captured southeast of Al Qa’im in an operation targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq associated weapons dealer.

“Coalition Forces will continue to successfully kill or capture al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists regardless of where they may hide or operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Air strike destroys building used to build IEDs

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A Coalition Forces air strike destroyed a building housing a large cache of materials used to build roadside bombs in Mosul Monday evening.

Intelligence reports stated terrorists were accumulating weapons and were believed to have knowledge of suppliers and producers of improvised explosive devices in the Mosul area.

Upon arrival at the targeted building, two individuals pulled weapons on the ground force. Ground forces took proper self-defense measures and killed the individuals.

While searching the targeted building, ground forces discovered an underground room that was being used to store large amounts of IED-making materials, including approximately 50 IEDs, 200 bags of fertilizer, blasting caps and multiple grenades.

Coalition Forces called in for air support to destroy the building to prevent the IED-related material from being used against Iraqi citizens, Iraqi military and Coalition Forces in the future.

“Considering the amount of human suffering and damage inflicted by VBIEDs, it is always significant when we are able to eliminate or detain terrorists involved in these attacks,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Troops team up to clear Sadr City
Tuesday, 06 March 2007

"During operations [Sunday], local residents were receptive and cooperative with Coalition and Iraqi forces," Lt. Col. Scott R. Bleichwehl, Multi-national Division-Baghdad spokesman, said. "The operation is designed to set secure conditions for the citizens of Sadr City."

Bleichwehl said no weapons caches were reported or suspects detained. He added there were no incidents of violence, and no casualties to the Coalition force, Iraqi Security Force or civilians.

Meanwhile, operations in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq, over the last few days, have resulted in numerous terrorists being killed or detained and the discovery of hostages.

A Coalition assessment following an air strike in Arab Jabour Sunday led to the rescue of four Iraqi citizens and the uncovering of a terrorist weapons cache.

Four Iraqi citizens were liberated from a building near the site of Saturday’s air strike, officials said. One of the hostages told military officials the terrorists holding them fled immediately after the air strike.

All four hostages were treated at the scene for various injuries. One of the hostages said he had been held captive for 50 days.

At the site of the air strike, ground forces also found remnants of an anti-aircraft heavy machine gun known as a DShK, as well as rocket-propelled grenades and grenade launchers. A DShK tripod was found dug into the ground along the Tigris River, along with spent ammunition cartridges.

Coalition force members called in the air strike Saturday after they began receiving small-arms fire from several armed men across the Tigris River and were unable to safely subdue enemy fire.

Two precision-guided bombs destroyed a small structure and killed seven terrorists hiding inside.

A large secondary explosion was noted after the initial bombs were dropped on the target, officials said, indicating the presence of explosive material within the structure.

Elsewhere, Soldiers from Task Force 1-319 and the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, detained more than 50 insurgents during three days of operations focused on terrorist cells in Abu Ajeel, Wynot, and Owja near Tikrit in Salah ad Din.

Paratroopers from Task Force Loyalty’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., detained more than 40 personnel in the Abu Ajeel area with assistance from an Iraqi emergency services unit and the Iraqi Army.

The operation disrupted a roadside-bomb cell that has been operating in the area as well as detaining an insurgent cell leader who has been spearheading attacks against Coalition and Iraqi security forces in recent months, officials said.

Soldiers from Task Force Loyalty's Battery B detained more than 10 insurgents involved with financing and executing attacks on Coalition forces in the towns of Wynot and Owja. During the raids, members of Battery B engaged numerous insurgents, killing three who were poised to conduct a roadside ambush on Coalition forces during the operation.

I blogged about Sadr City in a post earlier this week.

24 suspected terrorists captured throughout Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 24 suspected terrorists during raids Wednesday morning targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks.

Ground forces detained eight suspected terrorists during a raid in South Baghdad when they targeted a group reported to be involved in the coordination, movement and emplacement of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices used against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

During a raid in Rutbah, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting a suspected weapons dealer who is known for providing IED–making material and is also believed to be involved in foreign fighter facilitation.Coalition Forces also detained two suspected terrorists in Samarra. Intelligence reports indicate terrorists in the targeted area are involved in weapons trafficking and the acquisition of identity cards and passports.

Northeast of Karmah, Coalition Forces detained nine suspected terrorists with alleged ties to senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership.

“Coalition Forces operations continue to systematically dismantle the al-Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “The al-Qaeda in Iraq network is contrary to the peace and stability Iraqi citizens deserve.”

And finally, the US Military is saying what I have been saying for weeks:

Baghdad security efforts seem to yield results
BAGHDAD — Although it’s too early to draw firm conclusions, the new combined Iraqi-U.S. security effort to reduce violence in Iraq’s capital city already seems to be bearing fruit, a senior U.S. military officer in Baghdad said.

Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, talked with a group of Internet journalists and bloggers during a telephone conference call.

Caldwell said that there has been an increase of citizen-provided tips to Iraqi and coalition authorities in the three weeks since Operation Law and Order kicked off. These tips have been used to find several insurgent bomb-making sites and weapons caches in the Baghdad area.

Despite renewed suicide-bomber attacks on religious pilgrims, like the one in Karbala yesterday that killed more than 100 people, Sunnis and Shiites living together in Baghdad’s mixed neighborhoods are demonstrating restraint in not escalating the violence, Caldwell said.

Another positive sign is that more people are staying put, the general said. “We’re very encouraged over these last two or three weeks and seeing people not moving out (of Baghdad), not changing homes,” he said.

Part of Baghdad residents’ determination to stay the course is likely due to a more proactive security stance adopted by U.S. and Iraqi forces, Caldwell said. American troops and Iraqi soldiers and police have been establishing 10 security districts across Baghdad to institute an around-the-clock presence to deter insurgent violence.

The strategy of establishing dozens of joint Iraqi-U.S. security posts across Baghdad appears to be working, Caldwell said. Original plans called for setting up 35 or 40 such outposts, he said, but now it appears there’ll be nearly twice that number.

“We’re now looking at 70 of them,” Caldwell said. Although U.S. troops and Iraqi soldiers and police may be increasing their exposure by operating from such outposts, he said, this blanketing-of-forces strategy actually decreases the overall risk.

Officials believe that placing high-visibility outposts in Baghdad’s neighborhoods will serve to assuage citizens’ security concerns while deterring insurgent activity, Caldwell said. This is a change from the U.S. maintaining large compounds of troops that were relatively isolated from surrounding Iraqi communities.

To be successful in prosecuting counterinsurgency operations, “you have to protect the people,” Caldwell said.

“We are finding, at least here (in Baghdad), in the initial couple of weeks, that there is much greater protection being provided to them by (instituting) a greater, enduring presence out in the city than there was going back and forth from large operating bases,” Caldwell said.

Iraqi residents of the Sadr City section of Baghdad, a formerly violent part of the municipality, are being non-confrontational and cooperative as U.S. and Iraqi forces move in, Caldwell said.

Earlier this year, President Bush directed the deployment of more than 21,500 additional U.S. soldiers and Marines to Baghdad and restive areas of western Iraq. However, the Iraqis are taking the lead for the operation, Caldwell said, noting that Iraqi Lt. Gen. Abboud Gambar is directing both U.S. and Iraqi security forces from his Baghdad headquarters, which was activated March 1.

Two of the five additional U.S. brigades involved in the force plus-up have arrived in Iraq, Caldwell said. The third brigade is now in Kuwait awaiting deployment into Iraq. And, seven of a projected nine Iraqi battalions involved in the surge are now in Baghdad, he said.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the new Multinational Force Iraq commander, has been busy visiting U.S. and Iraqi commanders and troops across Iraq in recent weeks, Caldwell said. Petraeus will hold his first news conference as MNFI commander tomorrow.

Petraeus will emphasize that pacification of Baghdad and other parts of Iraq, while difficult, “is doable,” Caldwell predicted, cautioning that this will take some time to accomplish. He added that insurgents are likely to continue their resistance against Iraq’s unity government.

Caldwell said Iraqi soldiers and police are stepping up to assume security planning and operational responsibilities as never before.

“There are truly a lot of very positive steps being taken forward as they continue to develop their capabilities to command and control their organization,” he said.

How many of these stories did you see repeated in the NYTs? How many of these stories were repeated on the AP wires? It's funny, when I read the news from Iraq, the press never seems to miss a story that involves the death of a US serviceman or a class full of Iraqi children. Kinda makes you wonder when the press carries the water for the terrorists, writing in detail about all the terrorist's gory "successes," but the same news organizations refuse to carry the water for our US troops.

The press has been telling only one side of the story, ostensibly reporting the terrorist's propaganda for them. This serves to embolden the enemy and help fill their ranks because THEY THINK THEY ARE WINNING. This also serves to discourage the us populace and diminish their support for the war effort because THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THINK WE ARE LOSING.

The danger of telling only one side of the story is clear. The press has a choice to carry the water for the US government, to carry the water for the terrorists, or to report both sides evenly. Unfortunately, it is crystal clear which side the press is on.