Iraqs Inconvenient Truth :: Iraq War News Updates

PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW MPAC & ISNA to silence testimony on terrorism. Please read the alerts below demonstrating the efforts of ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) and MPAC, the Muslim Public Affairs Council to prevent such testimony. Pre-empt its effort. Please call Congressman Brad Sherman by phone or fax, thanking him for inviting Steve Emerson to testify; he is one of the most knowledgeable experts in terrorism and one of our most important voices against terrorist proliferation. This is yet another example of how Islamist groups like MPAC & ISNA are trying to silence and undermine anyone who dares to speak out against terrorism in this country by attacking their credibility and accusing them of “Islamaphobia.”

ACTION ALERT! Time Sensitive

Call Congressman Brad Sherman today
Washington, D.C. Office
2242 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515-0524
Phone: (202) 225-5911
FAX: (202) 225-5879

San Fernando Valley Office
5000 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 420
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: (818) 501-9200
FAX: (818) 501-1554 From ISNA AND MPAC: Read their email below sent to their members and ACT today!

http://www.isna.net/articles/News/URGENT-ACTION-ALERT-DEMAND-RESPONSIBLE-TESTIMONY-IN-FIGHT-AGAINST-TERRORISM.aspx

Self proclaimed terrorist expert Steven Emerson is scheduled to testify this Thursday, July 31st, in a congressional hearing entitled “Foreign Aid and the Fight Against Terrorism and Proliferation: Leveraging Foreign Aid to Achieve U.S. Policy Goals.” Emerson has a formidable history of attacking Islam and Muslims in America under the guise of his alleged expertise. Those familiar with Emerson’s legacy state his lack of credentials in foreign aid and foreign policy and are concerned that his testimony will feed Islamaphobia.The Islamic Society of North America encourages it members and all Americans to contact Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), chairman of the “House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade”, convener of the panel, and request that balanced, qualified testimony be included in the panel or the session be canceled. ISNA is concerned that Emerson’s hate mongering will deter responsible policy making, impede effective security, and detrimentally affect American Muslims.

Contact Congressman Brad Sherman by phone or fax now before Thursday’s session.

Washington, D.C. Office
2242 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515-0524
Phone: (202) 225-5911
FAX: (202) 225-5879

San Fernando Valley Office
5000 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 420
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: (818) 501-9200
FAX: (818) 501-1554 MPAC Demands Congressman Sherman Ensure Credible Testimony or Postpone Hearing

July 29, 2008 Muslim Public Affairs Committee

http://www.mpac.org/article.php?id=674

Today, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) released a letter urging Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) to either provide credible experts at an upcoming hearing on foreign aid, or postpone the hearing until credible experts can be found.

SEE: Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Hearing Information (U.S. House of Representatives, 7/28/08)

Congressman Brad Sherman, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, will call on self-proclaimed “terrorism expert” Steven Emerson to testify at the congressional hearing. Emerson, who has a proven track record of anti-Muslim bigotry, is not a credible expert on foreign aid or foreign policy.

MPAC’s letter calls for the Congressman to “ensure that those who are relied upon for knowledge have the requisite expertise, experience, and nuanced outlook. In the interest of maintaining a good balance of views, we urge you to include an additional panelist from an NGO, university, or think-tank that can represent the positive role of civil society organizations in challenging terrorism. If, however, you cannot find any other witnesses that can balance the current witness panel, we request that you cancel or postpone panel until such time as the committee is able to convene an unbiased slate of witnesses.”

“In the interest of effective and informed policy-making, it our sincere hope that the Congressman heeds this request and proceeds accordingly.” said Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC Executive Director. “Misinformation could lead to disastrous initiatives, leading the U.S. further away from realizing its foreign policy objectives.” Click here to read the letter in its entirety.

ACT NOW!

Contact Congressman Brad Sherman by phone or fax, let him know that he must either provide unbiased, qualified experts for this Thursday’s hearing - or cancel the panel.

———————————————

ACT for America
P.O. Box 6884
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
www.actforamerica.org

ACT for America is an issues advocacy organization dedicated to effectively organizing and mobilizing the most powerful grassroots citizen action network in America, a grassroots network committed to informed and coordinated civic action that will lead to public policies that promote America’s national security and the defense of American democratic values against the assault of radical Islam. We are only as strong as our supporters, and your volunteer and financial support is essential to our success. Thank you for helping us make America safer and more secure.

Post From Pat Dollards Blog ~  July 30th, 2008 Posted By drillanwr. 

Washington ~ (CNSNews.com)  A top Iraqi official visited wounded American troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to thank them for their part in ending Saddam Hussein’s rule in his country.

“We have come … to express our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these great warriors, soldiers, in freeing the Iraqi people and in helping us in Iraq recover from tyranny and dictatorship,” Jawad Karim al-Bolani, Iraq’s minister of the interior, said through a translator to a handful of journalists in the lobby of the medical center.

“We also want to express our gratitude to the families of all these great men and women and express how important their sacrifices are for our nation,” he added.

Story Continues Here.

We need your help to pass this very important bill. You helped us pass it in New York; now we want it passed nationwide. If free speech is important to you, if you believe that people like me, Rachel Ehrenfeld, Sean Hannity, Steve Emerson, Bob Spencer and others who write and expose vital information about the threat of Islamofacism to our liberty and freedoms should be protected to continue sounding the alarm, PLEASE copy and paste the letter below and send it to Members and staff on the Judiciary Committees in the House and Senate (listed below). Identify yourself as an ACT! for America member, a patriotic voter, and that you strongly request that they support the passage of the Free Speech Protection Act.

Support the Free Speech Protection Act

You can also enter your elected officials’ phone numbers in your cell phone and call them while you are stuck in traffic and voice your opinion. Every email or phone call represents 1000 voters. Here is the science behind the numbers: If 40 people in each state contact their elected official about an issue, that number represents 40,000 voters on election day. That can make or break an election. This is why every phone call gets the elected official’s attention.

 Coalition forces captured two wanted men and detained 28 additional suspected terrorists while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern parts of the country July 28. Using information from an operation Jun. 24, Coalition forces in Mosul targeted a man believed to oversee financial operations for AQI in Ninawa province. They detained one suspect, and seven additional suspects were detained in another operation targeting an AQI senior leader.

Monday, 28 July 2008

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces captured two wanted men and detained 28 additional suspected terrorists while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern parts of the country July 28.

Coalition forces detained two wanted men and five additional suspects during an operation in Abu Ghraib, about 25 kilometers west of Baghdad. One of the men is reportedly an AQI leader who oversees attacks. The other wanted man is allegedly a bomb-maker and emplacer in an AQI attack cell.

Using information from an operation Jun. 24, Coalition forces in Mosul targeted a man believed to oversee financial operations for AQI in Ninawa province. They detained one suspect, and seven additional suspects were detained in another operation targeting an AQI senior leader.

Tips from local residents helped Coalition forces envelop a village southwest of Mosul that is reportedly a hideout for AQI facilitators and smugglers coming in from Syria. Fifteen suspects were detained.

(Multi-National Force – Iraq)

 The success of the surge in Baghdad forced al-Qaida in Iraq to move out of the city mostly to the northern provinces of Diyala, Ninewah and Salah ad Din. These areas became the main battlefield as Coalition, and increasingly, Iraqi forces hunted down the terrorists and killed or captured them. The cities are now “reasonably secure,” Hertling said, and the Iraqi and Coalition forces can shift focus to hunting down al-Qaida and its allies outside the cities.
Monday, 28 July 2008 By:  Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD — The security situation in Iraq’s northern provinces has improved, but Iraqi and coalition troops will continue to pursue al-Qaida in Iraq and other criminal groups, the U.S. commander in the region said during a briefing July 27.

Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, the commander of Multinational Division – North, told reporters that the number of security incidents in his area of operations has dropped from more than 2,600 in June 2007 to 650 in June 2008. The numbers for July 2008 continue to show a reduction.

Hertling said Iraqi commanders will launch a major offensive against al-Qaida and criminal gangs in Diyala province next month. U.S. forces will launch a concurrent offensive – Operation Iron Pursuit – against al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists who are seeking sanctuary in the desert.

The success of the surge in Baghdad forced al-Qaida in Iraq to move out of the city mostly to the northern provinces of Diyala, Ninewah and Salah ad Din. These areas became the main battlefield as Coalition, and increasingly, Iraqi forces hunted down the terrorists and killed or captured them. The cities are now “reasonably secure,” Hertling said, and the Iraqi and Coalition forces can shift focus to hunting down al-Qaida and its allies outside the cities.

Other indicators also point to progress, Hertling said. The number of roadside bombs declined by 50 percent since February 2008 from 950 to 430.

“That’s not to say we still don’t have threats,” the general said. Suicide vest attacks and car bombs remain a problem in Diyala and the city of Mosul. On July 24, a woman wearing a suicide vest killed eight Iraqis and wounded 30 others in Baquba. Last month another suicide bomber killed Iraqi police and recruits in the city.

The number of Iraqis killed by terrorists wearing suicide vests has been about 250. Car bombs killed a further 1,500.

“These are random, violent acts conducted by these violent terrorists and that’s why we are not only continuing to go after those who do these things, but the networks that support them,” he said.

Hertling said much remains to be done in the region. “There will be continued operations as long as the Iraqi people are threatened,” he said.

 FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON — As the security situation across Baghdad continues to show signs of significant improvement, Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment “Regulars,” 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are reaping the benefits from more than three months of concentrated efforts to create a lasting security in the Aamel community, located in the Rashid District of southern Baghdad.

Monday, 28 July 2008 ~  By: Staff Sgt. Brent Williams
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON — As the security situation across Baghdad continues to show signs of significant improvement, Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment “Regulars,” 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are reaping the benefits from more than three months of concentrated efforts to create a lasting security in the Aamel community, located in the Rashid District of southern Baghdad.

In the first three months since assuming its mission in early April, the Soldiers from the 22nd Inf. Regt. have detained 56 criminals and terrorists, to include 17 of Baghdad’s most wanted individuals, and seized approximately 26 weapons caches comprised of automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices and mortar rounds.

Since July, the company has captured neither criminal, terrorist, nor weapon, but not from lack of trying, said Capt. Drew Conover, commander, Company A, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. He said that in his opinion the enemy is beaten.

“In terms of the special groups criminals, they are beat,” he explained. “I think they are absolutely beaten, and the reason I don’t think they can come back is because of the Iraqi Security Forces.”

Special groups criminals pull their power from the perception that they are strong and in control, said Conover, who graduated from the Virginia Military Institute as an infantry officer.

“Because the insurgency’s presence was so prevalent throughout the population, the people were definitely being controlled by special groups,” he said. “The people were not in control of their own lives.”

The ISF, working with the support of the Government of Iraq, remain very effective in dealing with special groups and Al Qaida in Iraq, due to the fact that they know Iraqis and know the population, explained Conover.

“The ISF are actively targeting special groups, and there is nothing that is stopping them from doing that,” he explained.

Another indicator of the end of special groups’ influence in the predominately Shia community is the influx of lower level fighters who are turning to Coalition forces and ISF for help, said Conover, who is currently on his third deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“They’re done fighting, done running, tired of sleeping outside their houses and running the streets, and they still don’t have a job or any money,” he said. “It became very apparent in April and May, when we began targeting them, and they began to quit.”

Identifying local community leaders, who are willing to take an active role in providing security for their community, such as the Abna al-Iraq (Sons of Iraq), an Iraqi-led neighborhood watch program, and Iraqi citizens who are willing to take an active role in securing their communities from special groups, is the most important step toward achieving a lasting change, said Conover.

“Security and stability will remain, I am convinced of it,” Conover said. “I am convinced that as a whole Aamel will remain stable and secure. Then the Iraqis can start building for economic success, political success.”

You are all making history today by attending the first journalism conference in all of southern Iraq,” said Vanessa Beary, Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Diplomacy Officer, in opening remarks at the conference.

“Some of what will be discussed over the next couple of days will inevitably be the role of a free press in a democracy,” she said.”

Sunday, 27 July 2008 ~  By:  Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson
41st Fires Bde. PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — Iraqi journalists gathered at the al Kut Hotel to discuss problems, challenges and possible solutions facing their profession in southern Iraq, at a conference held from July 21- 23.

“You are all making history today by attending the first journalism conference in all of southern Iraq,” said Vanessa Beary, Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Diplomacy Officer, in opening remarks at the conference.

“Some of what will be discussed over the next couple of days will inevitably be the role of a free press in a democracy,” she said.

The conference, organized by Salah Al Rubaiei, Al-Sharqiyah Satellite, included Dr. Saad Mutashar, the head of the journalism department from the University of Baghdad; Dr. Raad Tahir Goran, the Dean of the College of Arts from Wasit University; and Dr. Ali Al Majdawi, the Dean of the College of Education at Wasit University. Majdawi led the panel and provided advice to the journalists, listened to ideas and posed possible solutions to the problems facing the journalists in Iraq.

Iraqi journalists did not always enjoy the same protection U.S. journalists have. They have faced kidnappings and jail time in the past. The improved security situation, due to the efforts of the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army, is positively impacting journalism in Iraq.

“Journalists’ rights are guaranteed by the Iraqi constitution and protected by the Iraqi Security Forces,” said Beary. “Journalists (in the past) have been targeted for merely exercising their rights as journalists.”

Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Bush, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment commander, also addressed the journalists attending the conference on the challenges that America faced in developing the freedom of the press.

“We had to change our constitution, to protect the rights of journalists,” said Bush, a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a major in journalism. “That change was the First Amendment. In a free and open place of ideas, the truth will prevail.”

Iraqi journalists often have to pay transmission fees out of their own pockets for sending their products to different media outlets. Also, their equipment is often bought with their own money, instead of their organization providing them the equipment they need to be able to do their job.

“Everybody has problems with finance,” said Dr. Mutashar. “Help them with finance; help them by giving them training outside of Iraq to give them a broader perspective; and support them by buying equipment to do their jobs.”

Iraqi journalists in Wasit and southern Iraq also have no place to receive formal training in journalism, said Mutashar.  All of their experience comes from on-the-job training, which makes professional development difficult.

The journalists attending the conference were challenged, amidst the obstacles, to accept their responsibility of a free and independent press.

“A free press serves as the citizen watchdog over the government,” said Beary. “The media inform the public about governmental activity and spark debate. Your job is not easy, as you are expected to hold public officials to the highest standards and report whether or not the government is maintaining the public trust.”

 “[The Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force’s] primary mission is to synchronize and focus all elements of Iraqi national power to defeat terrorism here in Iraq,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Simeon Trombitas, director of the Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force Transition Team, told online journalist and bloggers.

Sunday, 27 July 2008:  By ~  Navy Seaman William Selby

Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — An Iraqi organization tasked with consolidating and coordinating that country’s counterterrorism effort is now capable of conducting unilateral missions, a U.S. military official said July 24.

“[The Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force’s] primary mission is to synchronize and focus all elements of Iraqi national power to defeat terrorism here in Iraq,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Simeon Trombitas, director of the Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force Transition Team, told online journalist and bloggers.

The Iraqi unit was formed in 2003 and has since been trained by U.S. Special Forces soldiers, Trombitas said.

While U.S. forces still train with the specialized Iraqi force and conduct missions with the Iraqis, they’re now capable of running their own missions with limited U.S. help, he said.

“They’re comfortable, at this point in time, doing unilateral operations, even without some of our enablers,” Trombitas explained. “I think that they’re well on the road to conducting the majority of their operations.”

Trombitas attributed the Iraqis’ capability to the high level of training they receive from U.S. Special Forces Soldiers.

“They are trained to a high level,” Trombitas said. “Our Special Forces have a high level of confidence in them. They never hesitate to run a mission with each other, and I think that speaks highly of their capability and our guys’ trust in them.”

The Iraqi counterterrorism force’s demanding selection process is similar to that of U.S. Army Special Forces, he said.

“Those things that we expect of our Rangers and Special Forces are the type of things we train [the Iraqis] in,” Trombitas said.

The Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force headquarters is located in Baghdad, but the organization’s leaders are planning to expand capabilities by moving to four other locations throughout the country. The cities include Mosul, Basra, Asad, and Diyala.

“These capabilities will allow us to plan, execute, synchronize air assault operations on multiple objectives, and give us the ability to infiltrate, ex-filtrate, and have casualty evacuation,” Trombitas said.

Right now, there are four operational battalions, a training battalion, and a support battalion.

Trombitas stressed that, while there are no plans for any more battalions, there is a possibility that leaders will split the headquarters due to the size of the battalions.

Sunday, 27 July 2008 By:  Polli Keller
Gulf Region Division

BAGHDAD — The $615,000 renovation and expansion of the Ameriya Technical High School in the Mansour District of Baghdad will soon provide vocational technical training for high school students.

“This school is very important,” said Mohammed Abdullah, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Central district’s International Zone project engineer. “It will have a great impact on the families who cannot afford to send their children to universities. They will learn a profession to earn a living.”

As the executor of the contract, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division, over-watch the contracting and construction management and provide quality assurance of the over-all project, while local contractors do the construction.

The renovation of the main building where the classical education is taught began in August 2007. Architecturally, the 43-year-old building with 32 classrooms was re-plastered inside and out, walls were painted and tiles were repaired and replaced. All windows were inspected and replaced where necessary, as was the fence around the school which was raised to 2.5 meters. External lighting was added and the tiled recreation area between the buildings was extended.

Electrically, the building was upgraded and hooked into the city’s electrical grid. A new generator and fuel tank were installed to allow continuous operation of the facility and each classroom received fluorescent lights, as well as a new heating, ventilating and air conditioning window units that cool in the summer and provide heat in the winter.

Renovations were also made to the school’s plumbing and then connected to the city’s water and sewage systems. Restrooms were repaired, new fixtures were installed and four new one cubic meter potable water tanks were delivered for the roof, as well as sunshades to cover them.

In addition to renovating the existing building, two additional out buildings were constructed on site, adding four large classrooms for technical training and additional restroom facilities.

Abdullah said construction for this project was slow due to the security situation. Four months after the renovations to the main building were complete an insurgent group moved into the school. He explained that construction of the out buildings continued but, “workers were hard to come by because of the security issues.”

With the troop surge of U.S. forces in 2007, the security situation improved in Baghdad and the insurgents moved out. Assessments of the facility were made and modifications were added to the contract to repair the damages the insurgents left behind.

“This particular construction project is a tangible representation of perseverance and commitment to the reconstruction of Iraq,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Eloy Alcivar, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division. “Our GRD team does not terminate a construction project because challenges emerge. We find solutions to continue on delivering construction for the Iraqi people.”

Ameriya School is now 87 percent finished and scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Desks, computers and other school supplies are starting to arrive.

Saturday, 26 July 2008

AKASHAT — Navy surgeons and corpsmen with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 and 3rd Marine Air Wing (Forward) worked with Iraqi doctors to provide medical services here, July 23–24.“We wanted to provide these people with medical care that they aren’t able to get without traveling far away,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Heingarten, 34, a unit corpsman from Jacksonville, N.C. “It’s a blessing these people have needed for a long time, and we wanted to provide them with that.”

During the event, surgeons and corpsmen were assisted by Iraqi doctors to treat sicknesses ranging from measles to the flu. More than 200 citizens were seen during the event, and the Marines and Sailors had candy and toys to hand out to the children.

“The doctors have done a great job treating the people of Akashat,” said Jalal Muhammad Kabole, 30, local resident. “When they come here and bring medicine to serve to the people, it brings us another step toward becoming a better town. I thank them for all of their help.”

The town is safeguarded by the Iraqi Police and Marines with Delta Company. Since arriving in theatre, Delta Co. has been able to assist the police department in keeping the streets safe. According to some servicemembers, this operation is another step in making the town one of the safest in Iraq.

There are plans to provide more towns with medical care. The doctors and corpsmen returned to their units and hospitals knowing they made a difference in the lives of the people.

“It’s good for the people because we see how they are sick and hurt,” said Lance Cpl. Alex L. Crane, 19, a scout from Middletown, Md., with Delta Co. “It’s an opportunity for them to get care they normally can’t get. It was an honor to be a part of this project.”

(Story by Cpl. Ryan L. Tomlinson, Regimental Combat Team - 5)

Saturday, 26 July 2008:  By ~  Pfc. Lyndsey R. Dransfield
25th Infantry Division Public Affairs

CAMP TAJI — Engineers with 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, journeyed to the Grand Canal Bridge in Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, July 22, to monitor repair progress.

The bridge, which spans a portion of the Grand Canal and is one of the key crossings along the main highway west of the Tigris River, was damaged by two terrorist attacks last year.

A terrorist drove a vehicle-born improvised explosive device onto the middle of the southbound lane, May 11, 2007. When it detonated, it left a massive hole in the middle of the lane. Another VBIED was detonated in the northbound lane, August 14, 2007, sending a large span of the bridge plummeting into the water below.

A local Iraqi construction company, Rownaq al Mas, was contracted by the government of Iraq to rebuild both lanes of the bridge and remove fallen debris from the canal below.

“What is most significant about this project is that the Iraqis are doing this completely on their own,” said Capt. Mark Gillman, a native of Las Vegas, and assistant engineer, 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., “The bridge is funded by the Iraqi government, a local company is doing all of the work, and the Iraqi Army is here for security.”

The project is separated into two phases; each phase is scheduled for completion in three months. During the first phase the contractors are working to repair the hole in the northbound lane and break down the fallen span to remove it from the canal piece by piece.

During the second phase they will focus completely on rebuilding the missing portion of the bridge in the southbound lane.

The workers began construction June 29, 2008, and have made a good amount of progress preparing foot paths, insuring the safety of the foundation and removing asphalt around the damaged area to begin installing the steel received last week.

“By the end of the year the bridge will look like it used to,” said Gillman

Each time a vehicle crosses the bridge, it passes a bold sign that can’t be missed by the passengers inside. Printed in Arabic the sign screams the words “We will rebuild.”

“Seeing this project gives the people of Iraq confidence in themselves and their government. It gives them hope for the future,” said Saleem Abdul Karim, bicultural and bilingual advisor who works with the civil engineers and is a subject matter expert in engineering. “It is a light at the end of a tunnel.”

Saturday, 26 July 2008: By ~  A. Al Bahrani Gulf Region South districtBASRAH — “I feel blessed to be working on this important project,” said Ryan Hartwig, construction representative with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Basrah Children’s Hospital Office

“Each time we go, we see more progress. I can look at the place now and actually visualize patients using this facility,” he continued. “It’s just very satisfying being part of this effort that will no doubt save or change the lives of so many Iraqi children.”

Several key partners are involved in the project including Project Hope (a non-government organization), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the Iraqi Ministry of Health, explained Hartwig.

The overall price tag for the project now stands at $163.8 million. This total encompasses more than U.S. funds. It includes the $22 million grant from Spain being administered by the UNDP, $30 million from Project HOPE for high end medical equipment and hospital staff training, and $9.8 million from the Iraqi Ministry of Health (MoH) for consumables. The MoH is also providing permanent electrical power, a wastewater treatment plant, and all the staff to operate the facility.

The hospital is designed to reduce child mortality by half within five years of its opening in southern Iraq – “a goal that will affect over one million children,” Hartwig said. The hospital will primarily be a referral center with a special focus on pediatric cancer, providing state-of-the-art specialty services never before available in Iraq.

Components of the project includes a 160,000 sq. ft. two-story, 94-bed children’s hospital building, mechanical and electrical plants, a 38-bed dormitory, medical waste treatment system, oxygen generation plant, warehouse, back-up generators, roads/parking and landscaping.

“We’re truly doing good things over here and changing people’s lives,” Hartwig said. “What you don’t see on TV are the positive projects we’re completing and turning over to the Iraqi government — new water treatment facilities, road paving, sewer lines, primary healthcare centers, substations, and schools,” he added.

A native of Le Center, Minn., Hartwig had been working as a natural resources manager at USACE’s Savannah District prior to his deployment to Iraq. “I couldn’t have made a better decision. It has been a life-changing experience. I feel like I have grown leaps and bounds personally, professionally and even spiritually,” he said.

Friday, 25 July 2008 By:  Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — The surge in Iraq has been a success by any measure, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said during a news conference July 23.

The policy, announced by President Bush in December 2006, pushed additional brigades in to Iraq to provide a security umbrella so the Iraqi military could build and the country’s government could grow.

The surge has allowed Iraq to make improvements from security, political and economic standpoints, Morrell said. The last of the five surge brigade combat teams recently left Iraq.

“By every metric that we measure violence in Iraq, there has been a dramatic improvement from where things were before the surge,” Morrell said. “I’ll just point to one, and that is [that] in July of last year, we had 79 U.S. [servicemembers killed in action] in Iraq. We have four thus far this month.”

The dramatic security gains have provided room for political and economic successes. “You name it, it is happening in Iraq,” Morrell said. “Do you want to talk about political gains? We’ve had basically all the major benchmark legislation passed.”

The Sunni bloc has returned to the government, 10 of 18 Iraqi provinces are under local control, and Najaf International Airport has reopened. “You see a $300 million luxury hotel opening up in the Green Zone [and] $50 million in refurbishment of the airport road,” Morrell said. “There’s economic investment, and there’s political progress. There’s increased security. All those things are undeniable, and they are attributable to the fact that we plussed up forces in there.”

There were, of course, other factors at work in the security improvement, Morrell said, but the surge and the change in U.S. counterinsurgency strategy made all else possible. The “Anbar Awakening” that allied formerly insurgent Sunni Muslims with the coalition and influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire were other factors, he said, but he noted they didn’t happen independently of other events.

“If we think that Sadr acted in a vacuum, I think we’re kidding ourselves,” Morrell said. “There clearly was political and military pressure which caused him to make a decision to have his troops stand down.

“But we benefitted from it, no doubt,” he continued. “There’s no question that the awakening in Anbar, the cease-fire by Sadr, simultaneous to the surge, has helped the overall security situation in Iraq.”

Friday, 25 July 2008 By ~  Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON — Al-Qaida terrorists have been largely marginalized in Iraq’s Babil province, thanks to the joint efforts of Iraqi and U.S. security forces, as well as local “Sons of Iraq” citizen security groups, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said July 24.

“The organization related to al-Qaida is severely disrupted, … as well as the [extremist] militia” in Babil province,” Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, said during a satellite-carried news conference with Pentagon reporters.

“Overall, we are extremely optimistic about the security situation in Babil province, because of the professional actions of the Iraqi security forces and the population’s strong desire for peace and stability,” James said.

About 1.2 million people live in Babil province, located about 50 kilometers south of Baghdad, James said. Babil’s population is about 70 percent Shiia Muslim and 30 percent Sunni Muslim. Hillah is the provincial capital.

The improved security, he said, “will stimulate positive governance and economic growth for the future, and eventually will result in irreversible, sustainable security.”

James complimented his soldiers’ ability “to adapt rapidly to extremely complex situations,” and he also saluted Iraqi soldiers’ ability to adjust to conditions.

The last of the U.S.-provided surge forces recently departed Iraq, but improved Iraqi security forces are picking up the slack, James said. With the departure of the surge troops, “Iraqi security forces are at a [capability] level to be able to handle that,” he added.

The improved security is driving reconstruction and economic progress, James said, noting that 186 Iraqi-government-sponsored economic programs are under way in the province.

U.S. and Iraqi forces are helping Iraqi government officials prepare for provincial elections slated for later in the year. Twenty-three Iraqi voter registration sites have been set up in Babil province, James noted.

Friday, 25 July 2008 By ~  A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South district

BASRAH — Al-Zierji, a town located in northern Basrah Province, has fresh drinking water for the first time ever.

“This is one of seven USACE water projects in the province,” said James Hodges, chief construction representative with the Gulf Region Division’s Basrah Area Office. “The $1.2 million reverse-osmosis plant is providing potable water for more than 20,000 Iraqis. It was completed June 20 and is now fully operational, producing 200 cubic meters per hour.”

Salah Ali, chief of engineering with the Basrah General Directorate of Water, said he is very pleased with the opening of the new facility, located alongside the Shatt Al-Arab waterway. It is connected to the national power grid and also has its own generator, ensuring 24-hour continuous power.

“It means a healthier environment for the entire community,” he added.

According to James Mills, area engineer with the Basrah Area Office, “This project and other essential service projects we’re overseeing are important because they positively impact Iraqis every day. With proper maintenance, these facilities will enrich Iraqi lives for decades to come.”

With a huge smile, Um Mohammed, a mother of six children, said, “We were anxiously awaiting the completion of this project. Now we don’t need to use raw water from the river or walk miles to buy bottled water. Clean water, for the first time, is reaching our homes. All we have to do is turn on the tap.”

The International Olympic Committee says the seven-member team cannot compete next month because the Iraqi government replaced the country’s Olympic panel with a new body.

By Ned Parker and Helene elliott, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
7:20 PM PDT, July 24, 2008

BAGHDAD — Four years after its athletes received a huge ovation at the first Olympics after the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iraq was told Thursday that its seven-member team would not be allowed to compete in Beijing because of a dispute with the International Olympic Committee.

Olympic officials informed Iraq that it was barring the team because the government had dismissed the country’s Olympic committee and appointed a new body chaired by its youth and sports minister.

 ”I am deeply saddened for the Iraqi athletes who did nothing wrong,” said Anita DeFrantz, the senior American member of the IOC. “It is hard to understand how a government in today’s world could purposely deny them their opportunity by fiat.”

Story Continues HERE

Waving Back

An Iraqi child waves to U.S. Soldiers in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, July 14, 2008. Photo by Tech Sgt. Cohen Young, Joint Combat Camera Center - Iraq.

One Horsepower

An Iraqi man rides through the Muhalla 516 neighborhood in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, looking for empty fuel containers, July 14, 2008. Photo by Tech Sgt. Cohen Young, Joint Combat Camera Center - Iraq.

Team Up

U.S. Army Sgt. Austin Fabacher and Pvt. Edgar Gonzalez take a breather after searching a home in Northern Adal, Iraq, July 14, 2008. Photo by Sgt. Manuel Martinez, Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq.

T Wall Placement

Pfc. Kyle Ferguson, 54th Engineering Battalion, helps two Iraqi engineers place T-wall barriers at Forward Operating Base Garry Owen, June 19, 2008. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Damian Steptore, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

Thursday, 24 July 2008 By:  Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

  CAMP TAJI — The schoolhouse is run down.

Water leaks through numerous cracks in the roof and air conditioners do not operate, effectively causing temperatures inside the building to climb to unbearable lengths.

The walls covered with mold, no doors to the classrooms, broken windows, and cracks in the walls large enough to see the surrounding farmlands.

Despite all this, approximately 600 students at the Al Abbas primary school, located in northwest Baghdad’s remote New Taji Nahia, continued to study and garner their education.

Capt. Shaun Wheelwright first visited the school in February and said he was saddened to see the conditions of the school. Wheelwright, the former executive officer for Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, saw that more than half of their desks were broken, without desktops or seats, and each desk was used for six or more students.

Wheelwright said he wanted to help in any way that he could. That help began after he told his wife, about the poor conditions. He said she was also saddened to hear about the conditions and contacted a Hawaiian-based company, Oils of Aloha, for assistance.

The first donation of school supplies reached the students April 26. Wheelwright led the “Wolfhounds” and Iraqi Army Soldiers to the school to hand out the much-needed supplies.

Oils of Aloha donated more than 20 large boxes of supplies, which included pencils, paper, notebooks, rulers, and more.

“We are very happy and grateful,” said Braheem Ahmed Hamid, the school’s headmaster, after receiving the school supplies. “We are always in short supply of school supplies.”

Wheelwright knew the supplies were a start, but it would not be enough.

Immediately following that visit, the Wolfhound leadership worked with the Government of Iraq and applied for funding for reconstruction of the rickety schoolhouse.

The project was approved utilizing Iraqi Commanders Emergency Relief Program and government of Iraq funding resulting in over $260,000 rewarded in June.

“The Al Abbas school was the least functioning school in the area,” said Capt. Brian Sweigart, former commander for Company A, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., and his unit was responsible for the area which the school was in. “The kids wanted an education, and they had no other choice. Three schools in the area were destroyed by terrorists some time ago, and now the Al Abbas school is the only school in the area.”

Sweigart relinquished command of Co. A in April, then assumed command of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., and took the lead of the battalion’s embedded Local Reconstruction Team. He is now responsible for acquiring funds, and recommending projects such as the Al Abbas school.

One of his new duties includes inspecting the progress of the reconstruction projects. While traveling to the Al Abbas school to see the finished project, June 17, Sweigart rode in the back of a Stryker armored vehicle with a smile on his face, looking eager to see the school. As the Stryker ramp was lowering, Sweigart yelled, “I’m excited!”

Sweigart, who hasn’t seen the school since April, walked through the newly refurbished school with local leaders. The courtyard and classrooms that were previously muddy are now cemented.

The cracks in the walls were fixed, and the school was resurfaced and painted.

Artwork adorned the exterior of the classrooms, including a map of the region. Environmental control units were installed, desks repaired, and restrooms built. The school looked new.

“I’m impressed,” Sweigart said as he walked through what was previously the worse school in the area. “They did a good job [reconstructing the school]. It is above standard.”

 “Education is the foundation for any country,” stated Capt. Mark Weber, effects coordinator with 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt. “Providing an environment where the students are able to concentrate on their studies will develop the next set of leaders for Iraq.”

Thursday, 24 July 2008

TIKRIT — More than 1,100 former fighters have reconciled with Iraqi Security and Coalition forces in the Salah ad Din province since May.

Musalahah, meaning reconciliation in Arabic, is a combined effort between the Qadah level Government of Iraq, the leadership of the Iraqi Police, the 4th Iraqi Army Division and the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

By turning themselves into the Joint Coordination Centers across the province, Iraqis are seeking to clear their names. Men who are thought to have committed crimes are given a court date, so they can plead their cases before an Iraqi judge.

The city of Balad and its outlying areas, once wracked by violence, has seen nearly 700 men reconcile with the Iraqi government.

“Former fighters in the Balad Qadah have stepped forward to reconcile with their fellow countrymen, and 76 of them have been given court dates to appear before an Iraqi judge,” said Lt. Col. Bob McCarthy, a 32nd Cavalry Regiment squadron commander. “This is a key step in reestablishing their ties to the communities, rejoining their families in their homes and becoming active participants in Iraq’s future.”

As a result of the mass reconciliation in the Balad area, McCarthy’s Soldiers, along with Iraqi Army Soldiers and Police, have been led to multiple weapons caches by those who have reconciled.

As in Balad, the provincial capital of Tikrit and the Sunni dominated enclave of ad Dwar, has had similar success with the reconciliation process. 

More than 400 men have reconciled in the area.

Over the last few days, the number of Iraqis wishing to reconcile has doubled in the restive city of Bayji.

 “The people of Salah ad Din have seen the worst that al-Qaeda has to offer and have rejected criminal wholesale,” said Lt. Col. John King, 1st BCT deputy commander.  “The provincial leadership is serious about rebuilding the province and the country.”

(Multi-National Division – North PAO)

Thursday, 24 July 2008  ~~

CAMP VICTORY — The 33rd Iraqi Army confiscated more than 4,000 pounds of homemade explosives made of fertilizer and diesel fuel from a farm near Karbala July 22.

Four men were detained and taken to the Karbala Police Directorate for questioning.

(Multi-National Division - Center Public Affairs)

Dear America,  

I request the honor and privilege of meeting you!!

By Garance Franke-Ruta
Bloggers, take note: the old-school Google bomb is no more.

That’s right, the online behemoth best known for its search engine says that it has rejiggered its legendary and proprietary technology so that online efforts by bloggers to manipulate its top-secret search algorithm to create cheeky, offensive and decidedly off-message answers to searches will no longer work.

“It was fun” while it lasted, said Rick Klau, a member of the Google strategic partner development content acquisition team, at a search engine optimization training session for political bloggers in Washington, D.C., this afternoon. But, he said, “Google bombs don’t work anymore.”

Indeed, the changes to eliminate Google bombs were instituted more than a year-and-a-half ago. But that hasn’t stopped political bloggers of the left and right, who have announced (or worried over) fresh efforts to manipulate search engine rankings as recently as this May (see here) and June (see here, and here).

Here’s how the old Google bombs worked: Say a group of people wanted to associate a certain Washington politician — let’s call him Mr. Smith — with a particular insult — like sleazeball — and have articles about Mr. Smith come up high in Google search results when people search for the keyword, sleazeball. They would all link to Mr. Smith’s Web page, wrapping the link’s HTML code around the word sleazeball. Story Continued At:  Blog. Washington Post

Thursday, 24 July 2008 By ~  Army Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret
Multi-National Division - Center Public Affairs

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki waved to cheering crowds July 20 as he stepped off the first plane landing at Najaf International Airport.

The celebration marked the opening of a new airport that will facilitate travel, boost business opportunities and increase tourism.

“The Najaf airport is a starting point for competition among provinces and local governments to make extraordinary progress toward reconstruction. … We were determined to face the terrorism that was about to destroy Iraq,” Maliki said. “The strong will of the federal government has fought and defeated it in all of its forms.”

Iraqi Soldiers and police officers maintained control over the mass of media and photographers who came to record the historic event. Children laughed and waved Iraqi flags. Men and women posed for pictures, hugging one another, kissing cheek-to-cheek with greetings. Musicians played enchanting melodies, and singers sang with spirit.

Najaf is one of the holiest cities for Shiia Muslims. The city is renowned as the site of the tomb of Imam Ali Talib, whom Shiias consider the prophet Muhammad’s heir. The site is believed to be the third-most-popular destination for Islamic pilgrimages, after the Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca and Medina.

The airport will employ hundreds of people, from security guards to customer service representatives. The airport also will create new opportunities in the economy for hotels and restaurants, travel agencies, banks, currency exchange, and even agricultural processing to feed Najaf’s new visitors. Officials hope the airport will attract businesses and investors.

“The benefits of this facility will ripple throughout the local, provincial, regional and national economy,” said Angus Simmons, team leader for the Najaf Provincial Reconstruction . The PRT helped to facilitate construction contracts and linked airport officials with a U.S. transportation advisor who specializes in airport management.

The new airport is part of a multi-billion dollar project led by the investment firm Al-Aqeelah, based in Kuwait. The firm plans to build thousands of new homes and hotels in the city. A total of $80 million has been committed to the airport’s construction, $50 million of it already invested in the project.

“I would say the Najaf people and the leadership here at the provincial level have a very national viewpoint on what this airport does for Iraq,” said Army Col. Jefforey Smith, deputy commanding general for support for Multi-National Division - Center and the 10th Mountain Division.

“About the only other way you could have gotten into this part of the country previously was by vehicle. There’s no train system that comes through here,” Smith said. “So this airport is going to be huge, not only for Najaf, but … it will affect the other major cities in the province of Karbala [and others] north and west of here.”

The airport will help not only the province of Najaf to prosper, but also will benefit the neighboring provinces of Karbala, Babil and Qadasiyah. Before now, the closest airport was in Baghdad, hundreds of miles north of these areas.

“I think it’s a positive time — it’s a good time — to open this airport,” Smith said.

Tuesday, 22 July 2008 By ~  Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret
MND-C PAO

BAGHDAD — During a visit to the area July 19, Brig. Gen. Jeffery Buchanan, deputy commanding general for operations for Multi-National Division – Center, met with Brig. Gen. Jabbar Nama, deputy commander for the 10th Iraqi Army Division, to discuss operations and the future well-being of Maysan Province.

In the four weeks since Operation First Signs of Peace began in Maysan Province, the Iraqi Security Forces are successfully maintaining just that - peace.

During their month-long presence in al-Amarah, battalions from the 10th IA Div. have not seen a single gunfight, not one improvised explosive device attack, nor received any indirect fire. They continue searching for caches and criminals in the area with support from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

“The most important thing out here is to cut off or interdict the flow of munitions that flow in from Iran up to Baghdad. And for one thing, with the ISF we can do that pretty well,” said Lt. Col. Edward Bohnemann, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th BCT.

Buchanan wants to help the 10th IA Div. by improving senior leadership who can mentor, teach and support their fighting forces. He also discussed bringing Military Transition Teams down to Camp Sparrowhawk to train with Jabbar’s men.

Operations in al-Amarah began June 19. In a matter of days, IA and Iraqi Police detained approximately 200 criminals and collected more than 220 weapon caches. ISF found the caches in homes, businesses and public areas throughout the city of Amarah, containing 2,262 mortar rounds, 1,034 mines, 971 artillery rounds, 749 rocket-propelled grenades, 598 rockets, 259 missile launchers, 176 improvised explosive devices, 259 grenades, 43 DSHKA barrels, 141 explosively formed penetrators and 22 missiles.

All of this without a single shot fired.

The Government of Iraq offered Shiite extremists and local citizens an am