Iraqs Inconvenient Truth :: Iraq War News Updates

Friday, 30 May 2008 By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD — Last week, Iraq experienced the lowest level of “security incidents” since March 2004, a reduction that military officials attribute in part to improvements in Iraqi security forces.

“The collective efforts … to increase the capacity of the Iraqi security forces is a key part of the reason why we saw last week the lowest level of security incidents in Iraq the past four years,” Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said May 28 during a news conference in Baghdad.

“It is also why we are seeing Iraqi citizens increasingly supporting their security forces by calling in tips on criminal activity and illegal weapons,” Bergner continued. “And it is why we are seeing the Iraqi security forces conducting effective operations in Basra, Mosul and Baghdad to enforce the rule of law.”

Army Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik, commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, said he and other officials tasked with building and training the national security forces in Iraq are seeing continued progress.

“The last 12 months have witnessed a marked decrease in violence, along with a corresponding increase in the capability, professionalism and effectiveness of the Iraqi security forces,” he told reporters during the news conference.

The media have devoted much attention to the temporary 33,000-troop surge announced last year, which military officials have praised for helping tamp down violence in Iraq, Dubik said. But equally important, he added, is the complementary surge in the numbers and overall quality of the Iraqi forces.

Since June 2007, the Iraqi army has added 52,000 soldiers, the air force has expanded by 21 aircraft, and Iraq’s special operations forces have increased by 1,400 personnel. At the same time, the nation’s armed forces have dramatically increased their ability to sustain and replenish themselves, Dubik said.

“Last year at this time, the Iraqi army had only about 2,500 up-armored Humvees; right now it’s almost 3,200, and by the end of this year, there will be over 6,200 up-armored Humvees in the army alone,” he said, adding that the Iraqi air force increased its number of sorties over the same time from 30 weekly missions to 225.

Since this time last year, Iraqi security forces have grown by about 46,000 Iraqi police members and 15,000 Iraqi national police, Dubik said. As the forces swell, the Interior Ministry has made a “concerted effort” to ensure the members are trained to comport themselves professionally at the national and provincial levels.

“This has contributed greatly to an increase in confidence in the people that the police are to serve and protect,” he added. “I’m very proud to be a partner in this endeavor.”

Friday, 30 May 2008 TIKRIT — Northern Iraqi leaders came together for an energy conference at Contingency Operating Base Spiecher in the province of Salahuddin recently.The conference covered the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity within the northern region of Iraq.

All four northern provinces - Tamim, Diyala, Salahuddin and Ninevah — had official representation at the conference, and they all spoke on their areas within the region.

Officials also represented three Kurdish provinces: Sulaimaniyah, Irbil and Dahuk.

The Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Iraqi military leaders and coalition soldiers were in attendance to bring awareness of the energy issues and to develop possible means for resolving some of the lingering problems northern Iraqis are facing with their electricity deficit.

Maj. Gen. Salahadin Mustafa Kamal el-Qradg, commander of 4th Iraqi Army Division, spoke about the Iraqi army military capabilities and the security issues around the electricity plants.

“Things are certainly getting better,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Butch Graham, division engineer for Task Force Iron and Multinational Division North.

Northern Iraqi oil companies produced nearly 20 billion barrels of oil in April. Exported barrels earned more than $1.5 billion for the Iraqi people.

“These efforts have been critical to keeping the power plants running, industries producing, and the home cooking stoves lit,” Graham said.

With many questions and ideas for long- and short-term plans batted back and forth between the attendees, there were concerns of financial strain on the provinces and security restraints. Military and government leaders and engineers spoke about interim solutions to the energy issues while the Iraqi provinces work to grow their larger generation plants.

“We have an unbelievable opportunity in this point in the history of Iraq, not to be penny wise and megawatt poor, so if we can tolerate a little inefficiency for the next two years, there is a risk of growing Iraq and bringing this nation together,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Tony Thomas, deputy commander of Multinational Division North. “I would say that this would be money well spent.

Friday, 30 May 2008 By Sgt. Paul Monroe
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division hand out humanitarian aid to residents in Shula, a neighborhood in northwest Baghdad, May 26. Soldiers gave out rice, lentils, sugar, tomato paste and other essentials to nearly 300 residents during a three day period beginning, May 24.

BAGHDAD — Leaders and Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division distributed humanitarian aid to residents in Shula, a neighborhood in northwest Baghdad, May 26.Soldiers travelled door-to-door handing out staples such as rice, lentils and tomato paste to 100 residents.

At the end, nearly 300 residents throughout Shula received aid during a three-day period beginning, May 24.

Shula resident’s movement to and from markets had been hampered by criminal activity in the area, making Soldiers clad in desert uniforms bearing boxes filled with food a welcome sight.

Capt. Joseph Sincere, a fire support officer with the 1st Squadron, 75th Calvary Regiment part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division said, the Soldiers efforts had yielded an optimistic outlook for security going forward.

Some of the same streets used as drop points for humanitarian aid had been the site of recent Iraqi army clearance missions, where Soldiers travelled from house to house, searching and gathering intelligence in an effort to root out criminals taking refuge in the area.

“All families who have received assistance are excited about moving from a tense situation, to relative calm in the neighborhoods,” Sincere said.

Sincere pointed out that operations in the area have been spearheaded by the Iraqi army while coalition forces have provided support in the way of targeted high-value criminal arrest.

Coalition forces also provided air weapons teams’ support during clearance missions, which gave Iraqi Army Soldiers access to precision firepower at a moments notice.

Major Jim Rector chief of the 2nd BCT military transition team assigned to 2nd Bn. 22nd Bde., 6th IA, said, “the Iraqi army has seized this opportunity to capitalize on their security gains and the populace is coming out of their homes as markets reopen.” Rector also added the residents have expressed gratitude towards the Soldiers and appear to be more confident in the Iraqi army’s ability to protect the people.

Early in the morning on, May 25, the commander of Company D, 2nd Bn., 22nd Bde., 6th IA received a call from a local citizen.

The voice on the other end of the phone announced that there was a roadside bomb in Shulla. Unbeknownst to the residents receiving aid that tip led these Soldiers to a powerful explosive formed projectile roadside bomb just east of the drop point the day prior which they turned over to an explosive ordnance team.

Apparently, there’s reason for confidence.

Friday, 30 May 2008 By Army Spc. John Ahn
Special to American Forces Press Service

U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Rios, a native of Sebastian, Texas, patrols a northern remote village in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad. Rios is a team leader assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. His team is composed of U.S. and Iraqi soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III.

CAMP TAJI — U.S. soldiers working together with their Iraqi counterparts is an important step toward Iraqis taking charge of their nation.A fire team at a joint security station near Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, is a model for a successful transition from a dependent Iraq to a sovereign nation that can secure the people.

The fire team consists of both Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers and Iraqi soldiers from 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Rios, a native of Sebastian, Texas, serves as the team chief. He is assigned to the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors.”

The formation of the combined group initially came together out of sheer necessity when Rios’ soldiers were reassigned to other duties or left the area for environmental morale leave.

The sudden moves forced the U.S. and Iraqi soldiers to learn to work together and overcome linguistic barriers. Overcoming those barriers was a challenge, Rios said, but they were eased through the use of interpreters and hand signals.

“The most amazing aspect of the fire team is that we speak so little to each other,” Rios said. “We work mostly by hand signals and knowing glances.”

Acknowledgement, he explained, is made by a simple nod.

“They work like any other fire team in a modern army,” he said. “They know their jobs, take directions from their leader and execute. They are well-rehearsed and work flawlessly together.”

Rios said he believes in the soldiers’ ability to work as members of a team. In fact, he added, they train together every chance they get. During their available free time, they come together to work on close-quarters-combat drills, practice search techniques for vehicles and buildings, and constantly refine their battle-drill skills. All team members know what they are expected to do when hostile contact is made.

“He is a good leader,” said Hamed, an Iraqi soldier from 36th Brigade. Hamed has been on Rios’ team since the beginning. “[He’s] patient and decisive, and very funny, too.”

Even with a language barrier, Rios is passing on his knowledge and preparing the Iraqi soldiers to be future leaders. He said his vision is to be a force multiplier by being an example so these soldiers can one day show their future soldiers how to be proficient warriors.

Rios said he demands excellence from his team and doesn’t allow them to give less than their best.

“I want 100 percent from them — their undivided attention. If they work hard now and train properly, when it comes to firefights and real-life matters, they won’t have to think about it,” he said. “I want them to identify what they must to do and execute.”

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Peeking Out

Iraqi girls peek out the door of their classroom as Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), hand out school supplies at their elementary school, May 24, 2008, in Bizna. Photo by 1st Lt. Jonathan Springer, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA)

Thursday, 29 May 2008 By Cpl. Chadwick DeBree
Regimental Combat Team 1

An Iraqi man speaks with an Iraqi police officer, May 18, at the Iraqi police station in Karma, before he is released back to his family. Approximately 40 Iraqis were released after being fully screened and prepped to return home. Photo by Cpl. Chadwick DeBree.

KARMA — The Karma Iraqi police station was bustling with activity. Men lined up inside the station as family members waited outside, waiting for the words that they have been waiting to hear, “You are free to go to your families.”Marines of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, assisted the Iraqi police release approximately 40 Iraqis back to their families and home, May 18.

“The significance of their release is that it demonstrates that the area is very secure and that we are working with the locals to return their country back to a state of stability,” said Capt. James E. Gallagher, staff judge advocate, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines.

The men were released after they were screened by officials and considered not to be a threat to the peace and stability in the area.

“The Iraqi police demonstrated a lot of initiative in organizing the event and screening the individuals to determine if they still posed a threat,” Gallagher said. “They also have established a parole program to monitor the detainees’ reintegration into society.”

The Marines assisted with the reintegration into society for the men who were once held at long-term detention facilities.

“I think that the program as a whole demonstrates the Iraqi police’s ability to function on their own,” Gallagher said. “That they are capable of doing things on their own.”

Thursday, 29 May 2008 By Sgt Jennifer Schweizer
1st Sustainment Brigade, Multi-National Division- Baghdad

Chief Petty Officer Phil Palmer (center), a San Diego native, and the electronic warfare officer for the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, in support of Multi-National Division - Baghdad, explains capabilities and limitations on the Mine Resistance Ambush Protective armored vehicle’s counter improvised explosive device system to key members of the 10th Sustainment Brigade during their leader reconnaissance May 24. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schweizer.

CAMP TAJI —

They’re big – they’re bad – and they’re new. The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected armored vehicle is the Army’s newest improvised-explosive device defense counter measure for Soldiers conducting logistical patrols throughout Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

Unfortunately, not much training, if any, is available for units scheduled to deploy at the present time even though this is the equipment Soldiers will most likely operate with once they arrive in theater. Luckily, key members from the 10th Sustainment Brigade, which is scheduled to replace the 1st Sustainment Brigade later this year, were able to get their first look inside the vehicle during a leader reconnaissance trip May 24.

“This is really good training for us”, said Maj. Anthony Steoger, a Two Rivers, Wis., native, and the maintenance officer in charge for the 10th Sust. Bde. “Obviously, we do not have any of these back at Fort Drum, N.Y.,” he continued.

The leaders were able to familiarize themselves with not only the vehicle itself but the electronic warfare equipment inside as well.

Chief Petty Officer Phil Palmer, a San Diego native, and the electronic warfare officer for the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sust. Bde., took the leaders on a private tour inside the enormous transportation system while focusing on the electronic counter IED equipment.

The second part of their specialized tour covered maneuver capabilities and escape routes. Providing guidance for this portion of instructions was Staff Sgt. James Horton, a Nice, Calif., native, and a truck commander from Battery B, 1st Battalion of the 206th Field Artillery also from the 165th CSSB, 1st Sust. Bde. Horton extended to stay in theater in order to help train Soldiers on the MRAP system.

Once the leaders head back to Fort Drum, they will be able to share this essential information with their unit in preparation for their future endeavor.

“These MRAPs are what’s keeping our Soldiers safe out on the road,” said Lt. Col. William Bailey, a Greensboro, N.C., native, and the officer in charge of support operations for the 10th Sust. Bde. “Getting to know this new-age equipment through ‘training for dummies’ is really good information,” he laughed.

Thursday, 29 May 2008 By Lance Cpl. Casey Jones
Regimental Combat Team 1

RAMADI — For most individuals, Spring Break is a time to take a break from studying or work, head out to the beach and get a bronze tan while enjoying the sun and sandy beach.

However, for the Marines with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, Spring Break 2008 was a time to search for insurgents in the gleaming sun, hold security and perimeter watch during a gusty sandstorm, and concentrate on the mission at hand.

The battalion recently wrapped up a four-day joint operation near Lake Tharthar in al-Anbar province dubbed Operation Spring Break. The operation, similar to the multi-unit training the Marines practiced while undergoing Mojave Viper, a 30-day training exercise in Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., involved more than five different elements including the highly-trained 2nd Brigade Iraqi Army Scouts; tube-launched optically-tracked wire-guided gunners; American and Iraqi Navy; Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1 and various aviation units.

“The Marines did excellent with this being their first major operation in quite some time,” said Maj. Jeff McCormack, the operations officer for 1st Bn., 9th Marines. “The Marines had minimal experience operating with helicopters and it was their first time working with the Iraqi army, but they were able to put it all together in a short amount of time and perfectly execute the mission.”

The purpose of the operation was to disrupt suspected movement from insurgents in the area. The south side of Lake Tharthar has seen a sparse amount of interaction with coalition forces since 2004, while the north has been more heavily patrolled.

“No one has been on the south side of Lake Tharthar for almost two years and there was a possibility insurgents were using the area as a safe haven and transportation hub,” McCormack said. “The mission was to disrupt movement and also establish relationships with the local fisherman.”

While operating in the area, the Marines did not find any signs of insurgent activity as the presence of Iraqi and coalition forces have been proven to be a deterrent for the insurgents. However, they were able to capitalize on being in the area by building relationships with the locals.

“The results (of the operation) were quite successful,” McCormack said. “We found a weapons cache and established ties with the local fisherman. Some of the fisherman said they’ve never seen an American or hadn’t seen an American since 2004. Everybody was very happy to see the Marines and Iraqi army working together. So now, we feel when we go back there, we will have some locals that we can go talk to.”

The raid also proved the Iraqi army and navy’s ability to conduct military operations alongside Marines while also highlighting their high-professionalism while on a mission.

“This operation proved that the Marines can work with the Iraqi army in a large-scale operation and also work with the Iraqi navy to deny insurgents freedom of movement on the waters,” McCormack added.

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Sydney, 27 May 2008 (Gulf News)

Australian infantry troops want to move out of their “second rate” role in Iraq and Afghanistan and want to see combat, top army officials said.

Major Jim Hammett, in an article published on the Australian Army Journal, said some infantry soldiers were ashamed of wearing the Australian uniform.

“The restrictions placed on deployed elements as a result of force protection and national policies have, at times, made infantrymen ashamed of wearing their Australian uniform and regimental badge,” Hammett wrote.

“[They] have resulted in the widespread perception that our army is plagued by institutional cowardice,” he said.

In a second article in the journal, Captain Greg Colton, second-in-command of Sydney’s 3rd battalion, said troop morale had deteriorated because infantry were kept away from frontlines like “downtown Baghdad, Basra and Helmand province”.

“There is a growing sense of frustration within the ranks of the infantry that regular infantry units are only receiving perceived second-rate operational taskings,” wrote Colton.

Australia has 500 frontline troops in Iraq, which it will withdraw later in 2008.

Iraq Updates

Tuesday, 27 May 2008

CAMP TAJI — Working together with the Iraqi Army (IA) is an important step in the success of this war – and an important step toward Iraqis taking charge of their nation.A fire team showing a unified Coalition front line force at a Joint Security Station near Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, is a model for a successful transition from a dependent Iraq to a sovereign nation that can secure its people.

The fire team consists of both Multi-National Division – Baghdad and IA Soldiers from the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. Sgt. Michael Rios, a native of Sebastian, Texas, serves as the team chief. He is assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division.

The formation of the combined group initially came together out of sheer necessity when Rios’ Soldiers were reassigned to other duties or left the area for morale leave.

The sudden moves forced the U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers to learn to work together and overcome linguistic barriers. Overcoming those barriers was a challenge, said Rios, but they were eased through the use of interpreters and hand signals.

“The most amazing aspect of the fire team is that we speak so little to each other,” Rios said. “We work mostly by hand signals and knowing glances.”

Acknowledgement, he added, is made by a simple nod.

“They work like any other fire team in a modern army,” he said. “They know their jobs, take directions from their leader and execute. They are well rehearsed and work flawlessly together.”

Rios said he believes in their ability to work as members of a team.

In fact, he added, they train together every chance they get. During their available free time, they come together to work on close-quarters combat drills, practice search techniques for vehicles and buildings, and constantly refine their battle-drill skills. All team members know what they are expected to do when hostile contact is made.

“He is a good leader,” stated Hamed, an IA Soldier from the 36th Bde. Hamed has been on Rios’ team since the beginning. “(He’s) patient and decisive – and very funny too.”

Even with a language barrier, Rios is passing on his knowledge and preparing the IA Soldiers to be future leaders. He said his vision is to be a force multiplier by being an example so that these Soldiers can one day show their future Soldiers how to be proficient warriors.

Rios said he demands excellence from his team and doesn’t allow them to give less than their best.

“I want 100 percent from them, their undivided attention. If they work hard now and train properly, when it comes to firefights and real-life matters, they won’t have to think about it,” he said. “I want them to identify what they must to do and execute.”

The tough training and expectations have brought the Soldiers of these two diverse cultures together to form a close-knit team, becoming brothers in arms.

(Story by Spc. John Ahn, 2nd Stryker Brigade 25th Infantry Division)

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 By Maj. Mike Humphreys
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs

BAGHDAD — The temperature on the street in front of the al-Faraqidh School in Jamilla was in the triple digits as hundreds of Sadr City residents turned out to receive free food packages and medical aid from the Iraqi Army, May 24.

The 42nd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division, commandeered the abandoned school for the day to conduct a humanitarian aid food drop and a combined medical engagement for the people of this northeastern Baghdad neighborhood.

The event was the second largest of the 15 engagements the Iraqi Army has conducted in Sadr City, said Maj. Brian North, team chief for the Multi-National Division – Baghdad Military Transition Team for the Iraqi brigade. During the engagement, 500 bags of food, which consisted of grain, canned food, water and other non-perishables, were handed out to local residents and more than 500 Iraqis were treated by Iraqi Army doctors for various types and degrees of illness and injuries.

“It’s important for the Iraqi Army to interact with the population to demonstrate a positive view of what the Iraqi Army can do for them,” North said.

Through missions, such as the food drop and providing medical assistance, the Iraqi Army gains an opportunity to gather valuable atmospherics from the people. It not only helps to bolster the Iraqi Army’s confidence but also reassures the population, North said, adding that the Iraqi Army took the lead in the engagement and MND-B Soldiers were on hand as a form of moral support.

“The IA is clearly in the lead at this point. We don’t do anything. The IA does the planning, coordination, preparation and loading,” North said.

Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Majid A’assy Awany said he is confident that as the security situation in Sadr City improves, more missions like the IA food drop and medical assistance will bring a sense of normalcy to the area.

“The people of Sadr City want to help, but they are afraid,” said Awany, a civil affairs officer for the 42nd Bde, 11th IA Div. “In six months, Sadr City will be good.”

Awany had promising words for the rest of Iraq as well.

“In two years,” he said, “any Iraqi – anywhere in Iraq – will be able to sleep in the square and not be afraid.”

Tuesday, 27 May 2008 By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON — Increasingly capable Iraqi security forces and increased participation by nonmilitary U.S. agencies have been instrumental in improving conditions in Iraq, a top Coalition commander there said in a “CNN Late Edition” interview with Wolf Blitzer.

In the interview, taped May 23 and aired Sunday, Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commander of Multi-National Division - North, acknowledged that in the summer of 2007 he believed the U.S. military was “carrying the burden of this conflict on our shoulders.”

“What I’ve seen since I’ve been over here now is we now have partners over here,” he said. “The State Department has filled up the Provincial Reconstruction Teams. [The U.S. Agency for International Development] is starting to do some significant work out here. The Department of Agriculture [and] the Department of Treasury are all contributing workers over here. So I think we’re seeing other governmental organizations contribute, and that has been significant.”

Hertling, who also commands the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division, is serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. He noted the improvement he’s seen in Iraqi security forces.

“I partner with four different Iraqi divisions up here now,” he said. “And over the nine months we’ve been here, we have seen just an unbelievable improvement in those forces.”

In providing an assessment of conditions in his northern Iraq area of responsibility, the general explained that his forces have been securing major cities and pursuing a variety of enemies.

“And we have done that in Hawijah, in Samarra, in Kirkuk, and turned over to, in that particular city, the Iraqi police, which is really a centerpiece now,” he said.

In Mosul, he said, his troops have had to contend with a number of al-Qaida-led extremist and terrorist groups, along with criminal activity. “It really is a group of individuals up there, led by al-Qaida,” he said.

Southward toward Baghdad, in cities such as Diyala, Baqouba and Muqdadiyah, Multi-National Division - North forces have been continuing to pursue al-Qaida, Hertling said. But often, he noted, when al-Qaida leaves an area, other criminal agents begin to intimidate the population.

“So we’ve been attempting to do that balancing act — a very complex situation in Diyala province, which is our southernmost province, bumping up against Baghdad,” he said. “It has been just a complex counterinsurgency operation. And you throw in a little bit of criminal activity as well, and we’re fighting on several fronts with our Iraqi partners.”

Northern Iraq has become more volatile in the last six months, Hertling said, because enemy fighters have been flowing in as they’ve been routed from Baghdad and other areas.

“As Baghdad has become more secure, some of the insurgents, specifically al-Qaida, have moved to the north,” he said. “As Anbar [province] has gone through the awakening, … al-Qaida has moved to the east and then up. We’ve seen foreign fighters crossing the borders with Syria. And Mosul is a very historic and popular place, and it has ebbed and flowed in terms of the amount of insurgent actions up there.

“We have seen an increase, a huge spike in the last several months up there,” he continued. “And over, oh, the last three or four months or so, we have done some things in that city with both Coalition forces and the Iraqi security forces to improve the security for the people.”

The general noted that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki asked the Iraqi Army commander in northern Iraq to mount an operation against insurgents in Mosul.

“It was originally called ‘Lion’s Roar,’ as it’s been reported,” Hertling said. “It’s now called ‘Umm al-Rabiain,’ or ‘Mother of Two Springs,’ which is the nickname for the city. … Over the last several months, there have been a lot of contentious fights, both with Coalition forces and Iraq security forces against the insurgents in that city and in all of Ninevah province, quite frankly.”

As for Iranian involvement in his area, Hertling said he can’t say he’s seen evidence of Iranian government involvement.

“I can certainly say we have seen some Iranian-made weapons, certainly not as much as I’d seen in the south or even in Baghdad. But we have seen some Iranian-made weapons in the northern part of the country.”

IraqUpdates:

Australian troops want real action in Iraq, says army officialsAustralian troops want real action in Iraq, says army officialsAustralian troops want real action in Iraq, says army officials

Sydney, 27 May 2008 (Gulf News)

Australian infantry troops want to move out of their “second rate” role in Iraq and Afghanistan and want to see combat, top army officials said.

Major Jim Hammett, in an article published on the Australian Army Journal, said some infantry soldiers were ashamed of wearing the Australian uniform.

“The restrictions placed on deployed elements as a result of force protection and national policies have, at times, made infantrymen ashamed of wearing their Australian uniform and regimental badge,” Hammett wrote.

“[They] have resulted in the widespread perception that our army is plagued by institutional cowardice,” he said.

In a second article in the journal, Captain Greg Colton, second-in-command of Sydney’s 3rd battalion, said troop morale had deteriorated because infantry were kept away from frontlines like “downtown Baghdad, Basra and Helmand province”.

“There is a growing sense of frustration within the ranks of the infantry that regular infantry units are only receiving perceived second-rate operational taskings,” wrote Colton.

Australia has 500 frontline troops in Iraq, which it will withdraw later in 2008.

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Iraq aims to increase trade volume with Turkey to $5 bln

26 May 2008 (Today’s Zaman)

Iraq aims to increase the annual trade volume between itself and Turkey to $5 billion from the current level of $3 billion, the Iraqi trade minister has stated.

Iraq Trade Minister Abd al-Falah al-Sudani and a delegation of chamber of commerce leaders arrived yesterday in the southeastern industrial city of Gaziantep to participate in the third Iraq International Fair, which was organized by the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) and the Iraq Ministry of Trade and which begins today.
Sudani and the delegation met with Nejat Koçer, GSO president and Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) vice president. Sudani said during the visit he was pleased to be in Turkey for such an important event. He noted that relations between the two countries were developing day by day and that the Iraq fair contributed to this.

He stated that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoًan and Foreign Trade Minister Kür‏ad Tüzmen had played an important part in having the fairs organized in Turkey. Sudani said the bilateral annual trade volume was around $3 billion and that he expected this figure to reach $4-5 billion.

Unfortunately, he noted, Iraqi oil previously could not be transported via Turkey. “We were facing difficulties due to terrorist attacks. But now Iraqi oil is transported to many countries via Turkey,” he said, adding that the problems in obtaining transit passes for Iraqi cargo drivers going through Turkey had also been removed.

Sudani emphasized that the Habur border gate between Iraq and Turkey is not adequate for trade and that increasing the number of gates is important for Iraq as its security problems decrease.

Sudani said there are more than 80 Turkish firms operating in northern Iraq and noted that his government supports Iraqi businessmen doing business with Turkey.

Koçer told the Iraqi minister he was also glad to see the Iraqi delegation in Gaziantep. “Our Iraqi friends should feel as if this is their own home, near their brothers,” he stated.

He said relations with Iraq are crucial, noting that the ties between Turkey and Iraq go beyond commercial affairs. He also emphasized the necessity of additional border gates to facilitate further trade between the two countries.

Koçer said the Turkish people are upset over the problems and unstable environment in Iraq and that they hope the Iraqi people will be able to emerge from this situation and regain their wealth.

Koçer noted that Gaziantep is the gateway to and supply center for the Middle Eastern and Iraqi markets for global brands and companies

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Mosul operation has led Al Qaida gunmen ‘to leave’

By Basil Adas

Mosul, 27 May 2008 (Gulf News)

The ongoing military operation launched by US and Iraqi forces in the Nineveh Governorate, mainly Mosul has raised questions - as the expected violent confrontations with Al Qaida gunmen have not materialised.

Hesham Al Hamadani, the Nineveh Governorate board chairman, told Gulf News there were two reasons for not confronting Al Qaida, the first was Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s decision to bring highly trained military forces from Baghdad to Mosul. The second was Mosul citizens’ support and cooperation regarding the military operation, dubbed Umm Al Rabi’ain (The Mother of Two Springs). This cooperation exceeded all expectations and information reported to Iraqi forces contributed to them detaining more than 1,500 gunmen.

It appears that thousands of Al Qaida gunmen and Ansar Al Sunna supporters in Mosul have had instructions from Al Qaida to leave Mosul to go to secret camps in the Hamrin Mountain area and also to areas close to the Iraqi-Syrian borders or inside Syrian territories to avoid the military operation strikes, Sarhan Al Hayali, an officer in the Iraqi Army, told Gulf News. He added that delaying the military operation in Mosul for more than two months had helped Al Qaida fighters move out of the city and avoid the decisive strike.

Tahseen Hashim Hassan, a major in the special Iraqi forces which headed to Mosul from Baghdad, described the military operation as very easy and free of any trouble.

“The officers and soldiers from Baghdad said farewell to their families because we thought the battle in the Nineveh Governorate would be difficult with great sacrifices, therefore we have been very surprised because the ongoing Two Springs military operation is merely arresting gunmen without resistance,” he told Gulf News.

Observers in Mosul believe the amnesty issued by Al Maliki has had a great influence on the way the campaign has been conducted and its intensity.

Aqeel Al Noaimi, a former officer in Saddam Hussain’s era, told Gulf News: “Frankly, Al Maliki’s decision to pardon former army officers and allow them to return to the service has had a great impact on the Mosul operation’s success. This contributed to emptying Al Qaida of its wide range of sympathisers and collaborators and I am certain that the Al Qaida fighters’ disappearance was because they were easy to catch by the Iraqi forces.”

_____Iraq Replaces Southern Oil Chiefs in Major Shake-up

Basra, 27 May 2008 (Reuters)

The Iraqi government has replaced some of the top officials in state-owned oil companies in southern Iraq, tightening its grip on an industry that fuels the economy but has been outside of its direct control.

The shake-up, which has largely escaped public notice, affects industries in the southern oil hub of Basra, where 30,000 government troops were deployed in March to clamp down on Shi’ite militias and criminal gangs that dominated the city.

The Baghdad government has removed the heads of the South Oil Company, which is in charge of exports, the South Gas Company and the Iraqi Oil Tankers Company since mid-May, local officials and the Oil Ministry told Reuters.

Analysts warned the move could trigger fresh violence in the unstable but strategic area, home to Iraq’s main oil reserves.

_____

Baghdad’s municipality plans development of old residential areas

Baghdad, 26 May 2008 (Voices of Iraq)

Baghdad’s municipality on Sunday revealed plans to develop the capital’s heritage residential area of Khidhr al-Yas at an estimated cost of $97 million.

“The proposal includes the establishment of a five-star hotel consisting of 15 floors…,” according to a statement released by the municipality and received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

Multi-purpose halls, billiard halls, bowling alleys, a bank, swimming pools, and parks will also be incorporated into the project.

The hotel will be surrounded by stores selling antiques, folklore works, handicrafts, jewelry shops, and beauty salons, the statement noted.

On the Tigris River, a berth will be constructed to allow 50 boats to anchor there. A total of 19 kiosks and nine cafeterias will be set up in the same area.

Reconstruction council starts building 100 modern schools

Baghdad, 27 May 2008 (Al-Sabaah)

The Higher Council for Reconstruction has started the building of 100 modern schools and prepared a plan to establish 500 schools as an implementation for Iraqi Prime Minister Instructions.

According to governmental statement, as-Sabah received a copy of it, Prime Minister instructed Reconstruction Council to build modern schools in all Iraqi provinces instead of the old ones build from clay.

_____

Ministry Distributes Fertilizers to Farmers

Baghdad, 27 May 2008 (Al-Sabaah)

General company for agricultural supplies delivered 3,571 tons of urea fertilizer besides 5000 tubes of attractive food and 5000 unit of specialized taps which would distributing among the farmers according to specific mechanism by the ministry.

A source at the company said that the company continues distributing the fertilizers among the farmers in the provinces through the agent’s branches of the ministry.

He added that the ministry received through the last few days more than 3751 tons of urea fertilizer which transferred to the stores in Kirkuk, Saladin, Baghdad, Anbar, Daiala, Wassit, Maysan & Dhiqar to distribute according to the organized tables.

He emphasized that agriculture ministry tends to save the fertilizers, herbicides, seeds, supplies and supported agriculture tools.

_____

Joint room to secure delivering electricity to the north

Baghdad, Kirkook, 27 May 2008 (Al-Sabaah)

Work in diesel station project, northern Baghdad, which is hopeful to supply system with 40 MW, has reached advanced phases.

Officials who are in charge for Iraq’s Kurdistan Region have expressed their readiness to support electricity ministry in Baghdad.

Meanwhile, the ministry confirmed the formation of joint operational room by directorates belonging to the ministry and Kirkook cabinet to guarantee just distribution among northern region’s provinces.
________

Activities of 3rd Iraq fair in Turkey Concluded

Baghdad, 27 May 2008 (Al-Sabaah)

Activities of 3rd Iraq’s fair, which Trade Ministry has been used to hold it for the third year in coordination with Turkish Forum Company, have ended in Turkish Ghazi ‘Aintab

The activities have continued for May 21-25, the last day activities witnessed the delivery of memorial presents and appreciation certificates presented by Trade Minister Dr. Abul Falah as-Sodani to all participating companies and businessmen, appreciated their contribution to succeed activities of the fair.

_____

Private Transport to build garage in Nineve

Baghdad, 27 May 2008 (Al-Sabaah)

State company for managing private transport is determined to set up Riabia garage in Nineveh province and maintain other garages in Anbar province within its investment plan for the current year.

In an exclusive statement to as-Sabah, an official source at the company said that the company is seeking implement Rabia garage project in Nineveh and utilize from the security accomplishments realized and make it as a main garage for Northern provinces.

______

Wool Industries Company re-operates factory after modifications

Baghdad, 26 May 2008 (Voices of Iraq)

The General Company for Wool Industries has re-operated al-Huriyya wool cloth factory, which it said will produce blankets instead of cloth from now on, the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals said on Monday.

“The General Company for Wool Industries, one of the companies affiliated to the ministry, has re-operated al-Hurriya factory after modifying its production lines…,” according to a ministerial statement received by Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

“From now on, the factory will be specialized in the production of woolen blankets instead of wool cloth,” the statement noted, quoting an official source from the textile industry department.

The company has received $2 million in U.S. donations, which aim at boosting the textile industry in Iraq, the source explained.

“The company has an enormous potential to develop and to modernize its production lines with the help of multinationals and investors,” the source added.

Al-Hurriya factory has a production capacity of 1,315 thousand meters of cloth a year.

_______

Iraq’s VP urges Japanese firms to invest in Iraq

Baghdad, 26 May 2008 (Voices of Iraq)

Iraq’s Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi on Monday called on Japanese companies to invest in the country during his reception of the general director for Middle Eastern and African Affairs Department in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in his Baghdad-based office.

The two sides discussed the role of the Japanese government in the field of reconstruction and investment, according to a statement released by al-Hashemi’s office and received by Aswat al-Iraq-Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

Al-Hashemi called on Japanese businessmen and companies not to hesitate to invest in the Iraqi market and to contribute to the reconstruction campaign, which he said will soon begin.

In a press release issued after the meeting, the Japanese official, Norihiro Okoda, described his visit as “very encouraging” for both the Japanese and Iraqi sides.

“We tackled issues of mutual concern and the participation of Japanese companies in reconstruction projects, in addition to several issues with regards to Iraq’s stability,” Okada said.

_______

VP urges South Korea to contribute in reconstruction operation

Baghdad, 26 May 2008 (Voices of Iraq)

Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi on Monday called on South Korea to contribute in the reconstruction operation, to invest in the Iraqi market, and to train the Iraqi workers in all institutions.

“Al-Hashemi received at his office in Baghdad the South Korea ambassador to Iraq,” al-Hashemi’s office said in a statement received by Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

“He urged the Korean government to contribute in reconstructing Iraq through South Korean companies’ investing in the Iraqi market and training Iraqi workers,” the statement added.

“At the end of the meeting, the ambassador invited al-Hashemi to visit South Korea,” it noted.

______

When it comes to “jihad,” why is it so difficult for so many of our government officials to grasp what is obvious to anyone who has perused the Qur’an, the Hadith (traditions and sayings of Mohammed), and the Sira (biography of Mohammed)?

Visit our News page

WASHINGTON — While Americans enjoy the traditional summer kick-off weekend with vacations, backyard barbecues, pool openings and picnics, the White House Commission on Remembrance is asking them to take a moment on Memorial Day to remember the true meaning of the holiday.

The National Moment of Remembrance was created “to provide a time of remembrance for America’s fallen and to make a commitment to give something back to our country in their memory,” according to the White House Commission of Remembrance Web site. The moment gives Americans a way to “participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died for freedom since the founding of our nation.”

Congress voted in December 2000 to set aside 3 p.m. on Memorial Day as the National Moment of Remembrance.

“The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday,” the site explains.

According to a Gallup poll, only 28 percent of Americans understand the true meaning of Memorial Day, and the White House Commission on Remembrance is working to underscore the holiday’s intent, officials said.

Carmella LaSpada, director of the White House Commission on Remembrance, said she first noticed there was a problem when she was asked some children on a Capitol tour what the meaning of Memorial Day was and they answered that it was the day the pools opened.

Memorial Day, which began after the Civil War, is observed on the last Monday of May and has also been known as Decoration Day, a day when people went out to leave flowers or patriotic items on the graves of fallen troops.

Though it’s appropriate and encouraged for people to observe the moment privately, group observances are planned nationwide. In addition, Major League Baseball games are expected to pause, train whistles will blow, radio stations will play “Taps,” and bells will ring around the nation in observance of the Moment of Remembrance.

THANK YOU TO ALL THAT HAVE LIVED AND DIED FOR AMERICA AND FREEDOM & THANK AND BLESS THE FAMILYS OF OUR FALLEN!

AMERICA….

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Stallions

U.S. Marine Cpl. Corey Fellenzer, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, surveys the area while manning a 50-caliber machine gun on a CH-53 Super Stallion during a training exercise in support of Desert Talon 1-08 in Yuma. The Marines of HMH-462 are conducting training flights in preparation for deployment to Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alison L. Martinez.

In Sight

Staff Sgt. Wesley May, a native of Dotsonville, Tenn., looks through the scope of his weapon into an alleyway in Shulla while on patrol in northern Ghazaliyah, May 15. May serves with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. Photo by Sgt. James Hunter.

Tactical

Policemen from the 1st Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division conduct room clearing training during a platoon battle course, May 19, at Joint Security Station Doura in the Rashid District of southern Baghdad. The platoon development course is a 6-day event which was planned, resourced, and initiated by the NP commanders. Photo by Spc. David Hodge.

Thursday, 22 May 2008By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — After nearly three months of reconstruction, Sayafiyah residents celebrated the simultaneous openings of the Sayafiyah Governance Center, Veterinary Clinic and Health Clinic on May 20.

“This is their day,” said Capt. Joe Johnson, commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

All three of the projects were a result of teamwork between Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and the civilian population.

“They are great people down here who want to help themselves,” said Sgt. Jeremy Johnson, a medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-187th Inf. Regt. “They put a lot of hard work into this,” he said, pointing to the restored health center. “Before, it was just rubble.”

Like the buildings, the community itself had been in dire straits. Once a safe haven for al-Qaida in Iraq, the community was held in bondage out of fear, said Lt. Col. R.J. Lillibridge, 1-187th Inf. Regt. commander.

The tide turned for the better with the arrival of the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division in January.

With the support of this unit, the beginnings of a Sons of Iraq program took shape. However, due to the end of their deployment, the 5-7th Cav. Regt. could not pursue any long-term reconstruction efforts in the area before handing responsibility over to the 1-187th Inf. Regt.

When the 1-187th Inf. Regt. first arrived, Capt. Johnson said his unit began to strengthen the recently-risen SoI program and assess the area’s needs. Those needs, in addition to the health and vet clinic, included restoring two water pump stations, two water treatment plants and two schools, he said.

But most importantly was the need to establish a government structure in the area.

“We want to see Iraqi people taking care of Iraqis, and the Iraqi government facilitating the needs of their representatives,” said Capt. Johnson, of Baton Rouge, La.

Achieving this required the creation of a city council and linking them with higher government organizations, he said.

Currently, Sayafiyah has an 11-member city council, with the council head reporting to the Rasheed Nahia council. From there, concerns are sent to the Mahmudiyah Qada and finally to the central government, Lillibridge said.

“It’s little government reaching up to big government,” said Lillibridge, a native of Smithfield, R.I. “It is a positive sign. Before we solved all their problems, now we’re letting them solve their own.”

The work has begun to pay off, and the yield is shown by recent Government of Iraq involvement. The GoI rural service committee chairman, Mr. Mashadanni, has visited the area, as well as members of the Ministry of Education, Lillibridge said.

Besides instilling confidence in the people about their government, these commitments pave the way for considerable relief to American taxpayer involvement. Originally, projects such as the building of the health clinic, vet clinic and governance center were funded by Commander’s Emergency Relief Program funds, Lillibridge said. More than $3 million was invested into the area.

Now that Sayafiyah has a voice in the GoI, Iraqi money is starting to make its way into the rural agriculture-based society. The Sayafiyah council has already requested funds to restore seven additional area schools.

The funds will come from $8 million pledged to the Mahmudiyah Qada, Lillibridge said.

With the GoI finally making an investment into the area, it now works to protect that investment. Because none of the day’s events or other improvements could have happened without security established, GoI officials are sending troops into the area to help maintain security goals and keep al-Qaida out.

In the next 30 days, a company of Iraqi army soldiers will take up residence with the 1-187th Inf. Regt. at Combat Outpost Meade, one of several bases manned by the Soldiers in Sayafiyah. A second IA company will follow sometime in the next three months, settling in at Patrol Base Vanderhorn, Lillibridge said.

“It makes our job easier,” said Sgt. Johnson, an Aiken, S.C. native, of the Iraqi involvement.

Such ease will help both the coalition forces operating in the area and IA joining them, since much work still needs to be done in the community to improve standards of living, said Col. Terry Ferrell, commander of 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. But for now, he said it is important to celebrate the progress evident in the new buildings.

“There’s work to be done, but not today,” said Ferrell, of Huntington, W.Va. “Today we celebrate and tomorrow we get back to work improving the community.” Thursday, 22 May 2008

By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division