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Good News from Iraq
By John
Richard S. Lowry reports:
Here is what the Honorable Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and their fellow democrats are attempting to stop with their political maneuvering on the military spending bill.
I have decided to compile a handful of stories that you will never see in the mainstream media to give you all a very different picture of society in Iraq. Remember the hoorah when General Petraeus was quoted as saying, “There is no military solution in Iraq?” He meant that killing everyone was not the solution and below is a small sampling of the kinds of tasks our “Surge” troops are involved in on a daily basis.
This is the real Baghdad Security Plan in action. These are the non-military operations that are occurring on a daily basis. But, these operations cannot occur without first establishing security in each Iraqi neighborhood. Remember, next time you hear of a car bomb or insurgent attack. Those violent events are less than 20% of our involvement and many operations like the ones defined below are more than 80% of our effort.
Mahmudiyah, Iraq -- After providing more than 330 Iraqi citizens with medical attention April 11, Soldiers from Fort Drum, N.Y., helped 217 more people the next day.
Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, brought medical assistance and supplies to the people of Mamudiyah, Iraq. The previous day’s mission was carried out in Latifyah. The missions were part of an effort to improve relations with the local Iraqi people,
The units conduct such medical operations at least four times a month.
The clinic was set up at a local boys’ school with soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment of the Iraqi army assisting with security.
An American soldier was quick to praise the efforts of his Iraqi counterparts, such as Capt. Assad Muhammad Hamad. “He’s a little guy with a big heart – the heart of a lion,”
In spite of the disappointment of not being able to provide long-term solutions, Soldiers who participated in the mission had positive things to say about the end results. “We helped 217 people today,” said Sgt. John Sniadecki, a radar operator and the commander of the relief for Mamudiyah Base Defense Operations Center.
BAGHDAD — The children of the Al Kumait School in the Doura region of
Baghdad peered cautiously through the windows and from behind classroom doors at the heavily armed men walking around their recreational area.
But once it became clear that these were the ones responsible for the building’s new windows and coat of paint, hands thrust out from the windows waving Iraqi flags.
Those who were responsible for the school’s renovation were the director of the Rashid District Council Sabeeh Al Ka’abi, Brig. Gen. Ghazwan Sharif Abdal-Hamid, commander of 6th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division and
Lt. Col. Faisel Malik Mhsen Al-Talall, who commands the police unit directly responsible for the mulhallah’s security.
“This school opening is important because education means no to fighting and challenges terrorism,” Mr. Sabeeh said. “We have to stop harm doing harm and blood doing blood – we need to think about dialogue and peace and work towards it.”
Lt. Col. Stephen L.A. Michael, commander of 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division out of Fort Carson, Colo. And attached to the 4th
Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, was also present at the opening.
Michael said the school was repainted and broken windows repaired, doors and chairs were replaced and a generator was bought, “which brought this school back to life.”
The Al-Kumait School is just one of many projects in the works for the
Doura area, Michael added. “There are other schools being repaired, there are also plans to bring six generators to this muhallah (neighborhood), so this area can have electricity 24-hours-a-day,” he said. “There is a park that has already been built, and a hospital that is built in the area that will be able to support the entire region.” The school opening is a direct correlation to the bettering security situation in the area.
“We have seen attacks go down since we have been here. Security is a function of the people, a function of the Iraqi security forces and coalition forces.
Those three entities working together will bring peace to the people of Doura,”
Michael said. “The local populace needs to know that they are many and the attacks here are very few.”
Multi-National Force – West PAO
April 19, 2007
AR RAMADI, Iraq - Marking the culmination of a 53-day renovation project, members of the West Central Ramadi District Council and local residents held a grand re-opening ceremony for the Al Warar Boys School here, April 17.
Approximately 100 students, more than a dozen teachers and numerous city leaders were in attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the newly renovated facility. Arif Mokber Sayad, vice president of the WCRDC, and Fadel Khalaf Saleh, provincial director general of education were given the honor of cutting the ribbon for the celebratory occasion.
“Being here and seeing these happy children makes me remember my own childhood,” Sayad said. “Because of the cooperation of the people of Ramadi and the Coalition Forces, we will be able to educate our children properly.”
Approximately 100 Iraqi workers from local neighborhoods were contracted for the renovation, adding four new classrooms, repairing the roof, floors and plumbing, replacing all the doors and windows, installing air conditioning and heating units, and repainting the building.
The improved security in and around Ramadi has made this project and others possible in recent months. The cooperation between tribal leaders, local citizens and the Iraqi Police and Army in the province along with Coalition Forces continues to grow, providing a more solid foundation for future development.
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq— Most people in the States would think that cutting grass is a routine job – more of a pain than anything else. However, cutting down grass near and around LSA Anaconda is a win-win situation.
During the past several months, local Iraqis have been clearing the roadsides around the base. Workers are clearing debris and tall grass near roadsides and fence lines.
Chief Warrant Officer Ron-Michael Pellant, targeting officer for the 1st Squadron,
167th Cavalry (Reconaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition), said the objective is two-fold. Pellant said the project of clearing grass and debris employs locals from the surrounding areas. Thus, the local economy is boosted.
Hiring locally, versus contracting through Baghdad, keeps the money in the hands of civilians around Logistical Support Area Anaconda, an area known for high unemployment rates.
Pellant said that Capt. Joseph Lynds and Wangler worked up the program.
The idea of the project was developed during the 1 Brigade Combat Team 34th Infantry Division training at Camp Shelby and the Joint Readiness Training Center, Ft. Polk, La.
“All CMO elements in the Brigade Combat Team are using the concept.” Pellant said. The concept is part of the CTIT or Civil Transportation Improvement Team.
In addition to employing locals, Pellant said clearing the roads of grass and debris makes travel safer for Iraqis and Coalition Forces.
There are many projects of this nature ongoing around the LSA. There are other projects as well, such as water purification, road rebuilding and school improvements.
“Currently we have 10 projects.” Pellant said, noting more than 350 locals have been employed through the program.
Additionally, the project has “injected” an estimated $200,000 into the surrounding communities.
There have been several kilometers of roadsides cleared in the area which the 1-
167 Squadron conducts business and patrols. The grass cutting is done manually so it does take time to complete.
“The contracts are built around time rather than distance,” Pellant said. “There are nine more CTIT’s planned in the 1-167 area of operations,” he added. The projects that are proposed, planned, and implemented will create a safer and more secure environment for the local Iraqis and Coalition Forces, Pellant said.
Maj. Craig Whiteside, 1st Bn., 501st Cav., 4th BCT (ABN)
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
April 24, 2007
BAGHDAD – The Geronimo’s of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment,
4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, brought a surprise and joy to the Ibn Saif al Janabi Hospital for Maternity and Children in Musayyib.
The Civil Affairs Team of Company C, 412th Civil Affairs Battalion, recently attached to the 1-501st PIR, met the director of the hospital to conduct a follow up project assessment to ensure the hospital is fully functional.
They also brought the children of the hospital a surprise all the way from Glen Riddle, Pa. – stuffed animals and baby dolls. The toys were donated by a 1-501st PIR’s “Platoon Partners” representative Donna Waryga from Glen Riddle.
The “Platoon Partners” is an initiative by Tom Morgan from the Anchorage, Alaska, branch of the Association of the United States Army, and Eric Balcavage from Avondale, Pa. “Platoon Partners” has expanded to forty-one members. “Platoon Partners” sends packages every week to all elements of 1-501st PIR, its attachments, and other members of the 4th BCT (A), 25th ID.
While most packages are for the paratroopers, individuals also send school supplies, soccer balls, and other items that paratroopers distribute to Iraqi youth. These donated gifts help the paratroopers of 1-501 PIR to maintain some semblance of humanity in a violent area that struggles for normalcy.
“Look at the smile on theirs faces,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mike Cawley, CA platoon sergeant and native of Boston, Mass. “You can see the difference it makes.”
By Sgt. Joe Caron
4th Bn., 31st Inf. Regt., 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div.
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
April 24, 2007
FORWARD OPERATING BASE YUSUFIYAH, Iraq – Coalition forces hope that
Yusufiyah, Iraq, area farmers will see an increase in coming yields following the first of many fertilizer distributions April 20 at a nearby patrol base.
The 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, with the help of 4th
Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain
Division, currently based here in Yusufiyah, has started to distribute much needed fertilizer to the first of many tribes.
A contractor brought a dump truck, and five workers from the Abu Amar tribe helped move 300 50-pound bags of fertilizer. Earlier in March, the battalion brought over 100 tons of fertilizer to FOB Yusufiyah so that it could be distributed to local farmers in time for use for the next harvest.
Capt. Chris Sanchez was positive about the event. “This operation will begin the process of the Iraqi army taking the lead in non-lethal operations coordination throughout Yusufiyah,” Sanchez said. “I hope that more tribes will come forward to claim their portion of the fertilizer. The 4/4/6 IA is doing a good job with working with both Sunni and Shia tribes to get this fertilizer distributed to every tribe that wants to come forward.”
It took five workers from the Abu Amar tribe only an hour to get the bags stowed and ready to move, under the watchful eye of an Iraqi soldier who was on hand to ensure that the correct number of bags were distributed accordingly.
The 4/4/6 IA are working with and for the people of Yusufiyah, said Sanchez, and helping the local nationals move forward in their fight against the insurgents.
BAGHDAD — Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops uncovered a weapons cache at the Al Nur Mosque in Baghdad’s Jihad neighborhood April 23 thanks to a tip from local residents.
The 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division raided the location after locals reported seeing insurgents firing mortars and fleeing into the mosque. They also reported that the mosque hadn’t been used for religious purposes in months.
Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade
Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., cordoned off the area as the ISF conducted the raid.
The NPs found four 155 mm artillery rounds, 21 blocks of military-grade C-4 explosives, two propane tanks with C-4 explosive attached, three rolls of wire, one 107mm rocket rigged as an IED, a rifle, and a roll of wire wrapped around a soda bottle.
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
April 24, 2007
FOB YUSUFIYAH, Iraq – On a warm Thursday morning, the city of Yusufiyah was bustling with the business of daily life. The aroma of hot chai and falafel floated in the morning air. Children walked to school, merchants displayed their wares and elder residents enjoyed conversation and chai along the Yusufiyah River.
The town’s small café and market were filled with customers who were busy making their purchases for the week. Several months ago the market was nearly closed due to a terrorist truck bomb.
While on patrol, Civil Affairs Team 5 of Company A, 478th Civil Affairs
Battalion and Tactical Psychological Operations Team 1481 noticed a change in
Yusufiyah. There were signs of progress and employment everywhere.
Several projects have been completed recently. The sewage, water and electricity ministries have been proactively working with the Yusufiyah government to fix the sewer in Yusufiyah, repair the drinking water pipes and replace several transformers. The sewage ministry was able to secure 400 million Iraqi dinar to build a new administration building. The Yusufiyah
beladiyah, the council which is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the local roads, recently completed a street cleaning project and has begun to build trash points for the residents of Yusufiyah.
“It is amazing to see the affect of the recent security improvements in
Yusufiyah,” said Capt. Chris Sanchez, operations coordinator for the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). “People have more confidence being out in public, and the government is becoming functional here. It is good to see that the various ministries are working for the benefit of the residents of the city. The ministries no longer have to work in fear of militia intimidation or terrorist attacks.”
Sanchez has worked extensively with the civil affairs teams to bring stability to the area. The progress is due to the security that is provided by the 4th Battalion,
4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, the Yusufiyah Iraqi Police and the Soldiers of the 4-31 “Polar Bears,” Sanchez said.
Richard S. Lowry is the author of Marines in the Garden of Eden. He served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service from 1967-1975 and spent the time from 1975 to 2002 designing sophisticated integrated circuits for everything from aircraft avionics to home computers. He is currently working on his next book, The Surge, which will tell of General Petraeus’ attempt to win the peace in Iraq.
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Comments
Joel,
I agree completely, but my post included much more than building schools and hospitals. I was trying to present snapshots from Baghdad that we normally do not see in the MSM.
Also, it is counterproductive to speak of what we should have done in 2003. We all need to be looking at what is being done today. I would venture to guess that General Petraeus agrees with you too.
He is trying to do it right this time. He can only go forward from where Iraq is today. I am certain that he has a comprehensive civil affairs program in place. I was speaking with a senior PAO last night and he brought up a point that I had not thought about.
I was trying to get other stories to write about and we were talking about a particularly good indicator of success in Baghdad. I asked the PAO if he could send me more info, he commented that he had to be careful because the enemy will target projects that we publicize.
Here is an excellent example. This school reopened with fanfare and was highlighted in MNF press releases only a week ago:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070430-06
April 30, 2007
Cavalry foils insurgent attack at Tarmiyah Huda Girls’
School
By Spc. Jeffrey Ledesma
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers foiled an
insurgent attack comprised of numerous improvised explosive devices targeting
an all-girls’ school north of Baghdad April 28.
Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discovered a command wire leading from the
school’s outer perimeter to one of the rooms at the Huda Girls’ School, in
Tarmiyah, Iraqi. Inside the room, the cavalry troops discovered five artillery shell
explosives.
The insurgent’s planned attack, in opposition of the construction of the
school, also included two large explosive-filled propane tanks buried underneath
the school’s floor and numerous projectiles emplaced underneath electrical
conduits in front of each classroom.
The unit believes Al Qaeda extremists, operating in the area, are
responsible for the emplacement of the explosives in an effort to thwart the
progress the local government has made to improve the lives of the people of
Tarmiyah.
The reconstructed school, a project led by the local Tarmiyah government,
was scheduled to open in the coming weeks. This is the second time this month
explosives have been found in the facility.
“This is a testimony of how little the Al-Qaeda of Iraq truly care about the
citizens of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Scott Efflandt, commander of 2-8th Cavalry.
An explosive ordnance disposal team transported all of the explosive
rounds from the school for disposal.
Hello;
Do terrorists attack reconstruction projects that haven't gotten prior press attention? It isn't the case that they don't know about the project before it appears in the press, is it? Presumably, they have their sources, and could attack any project at any time. If they successfully attack a project that hasn't gotten press attention, does the military suppresses the story so their contention that they can't advertise the success stories for fear of attack will hold water, and to avoid more bad press generally? Doesn't the military seem to be holding the position that the media isn't reporting the successful projects out of anti-war liberal bias, and also that they don't want these stories reported because then the project will be attacked? That's not a criticism, it's just that, if it's true, doesn't it seem important to find a solution to the conundrum? If there are all these success stories out there, and the military wants them published to garner support for the war, why don't they bring reporters, publish the report, then provide security for the project? Seems important enough, and the report about the school above suggests this is possible. Or, why don't they control the story in such a way that the exact location of the project can't be known? Because they'll be accused of trumping up a story just for the media, i.e. lying, if it can't be verified totally independently of the media source? Seems unlikely. Whatever its flaws, the mainstream media remains people's primary source of information, and has credibility to most, if only for lack of another source. I think if the military, or the gov't., wanted these stories to appear in the mainstream press, they would. I don't know why they don't, but the reason given sounds dicey to me.
And despite their bias, I think the media has suppressed information on request of the military routinely, and would do so for the sake of a good story that made them money. Though, I suppose it's to a certain extent true that good news is not news. Also, I think the media routinely reports what they are told, and basically goes along with the official story line until something changes. For example, the Tillman thing, though as I recall, there was reporting done about the potential falsity of that story from the get-go.
I have always assumed there were reconstruction projects that were successful, question was how many, and does it matter to the success of the war as a whole? And I factor in false pretensions to objectivity and a certain degree of bias of whatever kind on the part of the media, depending on which source you're talking about. Fox has a bias, the NY Times has another bias. Why expect otherwise? People loathe the bias of the side they're not on. The good news stories above are all from the military. No bias there?
Thanks.
Mr. Lowry,
I would like to take the opportunity to answer Paco's questions with regard to the posibility that the US military might supress stories regarding civic works for fear that they may become targets of insurgent violence.
The simple fact is insurgents are very aware of what is going on in their areas of operation and would, without doubt, notice any schools, hospitals or water treatment facilities being built. The insurgents would not normally attack such a facility until it is completed. An insurgent needs a high pay-off in the form of an attack that produces a great deal of collateral damage and thus attracts attention. It would be a waste of valuable resources to destroy a school that is under construction and possibly kill a handfull of workman when they could simply wait until the first day of school and kill students and faculty.
Additionally, the military Public Affairs offices do often submit press releases regarding civic operations, but these rarely make the evening news. I'm not sure about bias, one way or another, but suspect the reason these stories don't make the news is because today's media outlets are businesses like any other and rely on advertising to survive. Warm, fuzzy stories simply don't get sensationalized and, thus, do not sell Viagra, Valtrex or Zoloft.
Thanks,
An OIF Veteran
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These are nice stories and they are evidence of some of the things we're doing in Iraq. I know because I've been a part of some of them.
The problem is that they are all indicators of short-term solutions. And, accomplishments like building a school or hospital are things that should have happened back in the fall of 2003.
The Army's civic action plan has been a non-starter from the beginning. This is partly to do with the administration's lack of a post-war plan. This is also partly because the Army tries to manage the CA program on a battalion level. When I was there, the S-5 had the reins, pretty much because he had nothing else to do.
Battalions are led by officers, who are eager for a measurement of success of some sort. In the absence of killing the enemy, building schools and hospitals will do.
The problem with this is that building things is merely the first step. And we seem to repeat the first step with every rotation.
Units now should have been running established training programs for teachers and medical workers. Syllabus development and textbook production should be projects dated 2006 and 2007. A school building is nice and wonderful. It does not make an education system.
And just building a bunch of schools and hospitals does not make a civil affairs program.