Muthanna Province to take Control by ING (Iraq)

There is some very encouring news coming from Iraq which should be shared with all Americans and Iraqis. Unfortuately, our dinosaur media cannot bring itself to print anything good about men and women in uniform who keep their freedoms secure. That is okay now, because we have learned to go around them. Here is the press release of today:

NEWS RELEASE

Joint Statement by

Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and Gen. George Casey

On the Transfer of Security Responsibility in

Muthanna Province

July 13, 2006

BAGHDAD – Iraq witnessed a historic event today with the transfer of security responsibility in Muthanna Province from the Multi-National Force - Iraq (MNF-I) to the Provincial Governor and civilian-controlled Iraqi Security Forces. The handover represents a milestone in the successful development of Iraq’s capability to govern and protect itself as a sovereign and democratic nation. Muthanna is the first of Iraq’s 18 provinces to be designated for such a transition.

As Prime Minister Maliki announced on June 19, 2006, the joint decision between the Iraqi government and MNF-I to hand over security responsibility is the result of Muthanna’s demonstrated abilities to take the lead in managing its own security and governance duties at the provincial level. The transition decision also reflects a joint assessment of the overall threat situation in Muthanna, the capabilities of the ISF there and the provincial leadership’s ability to coordinate security. Transition teams are in place to smooth the transfer process and multi-national forces will stand ready to provide assistance if needed.

With this first transition of security responsibility, Muthanna demonstrates the progress Iraq is making toward self-governance. Several other provinces are close to meeting the criteria necessary to assume security independence. The Iraqi government and the Multi-National Force will continue to transfer security responsibilities in other provinces in Iraq as conditions are achieved.

Australian, Japanese, and the United Kingdom forces have assisted Muthanna authorities as models of international cooperation, providing economic and humanitarian assistance as well as security and stability. As Iraq develops and its needs continue to evolve, so too will the nature of international assistance to Iraq in Muthanna and elsewhere.

The United States will provide $10 million in order to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Muthanna as they take a bold and courageous step forward in the country’s movement toward an independent and secure nation. This event represents significant progress by the Government of Iraq to achieve a constitutional, democratic, and pluralistic Iraq which guarantees the rights of all citizens.

I wanted to provide some geographical and historic information about Muthanna, Iraq, but my friends are very busy at this time. (They did not get back to me. lol) As soon as I can, I will get this information for you.

I think this simply amazing. All the hard work and sacrifice is paying off, no matter what public opinion is. The facts are on the ground. Yes, we probably should have given the Iraqis the job of rebuilding their own country, but we did not. Not at first.

Think back. Go ahead, try it. Do you remember the clamour back then? "They cannot do it themselves." "They do not know what democracy is." Etc. Well, thank you very much. That ended up getting the State Department instead of the Defense Department. You got what you wanted, and you got what I hate!

(Nothing personal, I just hate the idea of the State Department. They seem to only want to keep everything the same during an historical change in the Middle East!) Whatever the case, let us move forward together now.

At least now we are all working together toward the same goal: Helping the Iraqis, and watching the Iraqis stand up to the challenges of defending their beloved country; and we are fighting to keep the dream alive of a modern Middle East. In this manner, we get rid of terrorism.

I am very proud of them, and I am even more proud of our men and women in uniform. Hey, I admit it. I have favorites. I love our country the best! That doesn't take away from Iraq, though.

I have found if you have no love, if you do not believe there is anything worth fighting for, then you are a sad sort of fellow. I will pray for you, but in the mean time; get out of our way! Onward ho! Thank you, and have a great day.

Category: (Military) News, News and Iraq.