Commander Says Iraqi Citizens Turning Against Insurgents

Courtesy of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Multi-National Force Iraq

Saturday, 25 August 2007

Multi-National Division-Baghdad and 1st Cavalry Division commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr. (front), accompanied by U.S. Army Lt. Col. James W. Phillips (right), commander of the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, tours the Palestine Market in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad. Over 1,800 barriers have been emplaced in the market since May 1, making the area more secure. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. W. Wayne Marlow, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD — Iraqis who once aligned themselves with militants are now taking up arms against al-Qaeda, a top commander in the Iraqi capital said during a conference call Friday.

Likening members of terrorist organizations to “street gangsters,” U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil, commander of Multi-National Division-Baghdad and 1st Cavalry Division, said Iraqis are becoming tired of price gouging on staples such as gasoline and ice when militant groups move in and take over neighborhoods.

“We have found that throughout the city there is increasing distrust, fatigue and disillusionment by the population with al-Qaeda and Jaysh al-Mahdi (militia group),” he said. “There is a strong desire in the neighborhoods to turn away from them.”

Fil said Coalition troops are continuing to take away the enemy’s ability to control neighborhoods and to brutalize the population.

“Every day we’re working with Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi government to place power back in the legitimate hands of the average Iraqi civilian,” the general said.

Local citizens are more openly embracing Iraqi Security Forces and are beginning to respect and trust their fellow citizens in uniform, he added.

Now 10 months into their deployment, Fil said troops of the 1st Cavalry Division are fully integrated and “up to speed” with surge operations. “The division continues to excel in this campaign as we try to bring security and stability to the Iraqi capital,” he said, as he described that more than 50 percent of Baghdad is in the “control” or “retain” phase of the overall Baghdad security plan.

In a February briefing, Fil described the mission in Baghdad as “clear, control and retain.” In the “clear” phase of a mission, Iraqi and U.S. forces move into neighborhoods and clear out extremist elements. In the “control” phase, the combined forces maintain a full-time presence on the streets, Fil explained. The forces will man combined security stations, which are being built all over the city, and will work to establish conditions that allow Iraqi forces to take over operations completely.

The “retain” phase comes when Iraqi forces are responsible for day-to-day security operations and Coalition forces can move out of the neighborhoods and into areas where they can respond if assistance is needed.

Fil also said fewer innocent Iraqis are being murdered as a result of sectarian violence, and statistics show murders are at their lowest level since the beginning of surge operations.

“Markets that were once targets by indiscriminant killers are now safer and thriving,” the general said. “And more and more Iraqis are turning from the ‘rule of gun’ to the ‘rule of law.’”

The last several months have been challenging, Fil said. “And I don’t expect things to get any easier in the months ahead, but I do fully expect to see the same steady progress that we and the Iraqi Security Forces have made in bringing stability to neighborhood by neighborhood throughout Baghdad.”

(Story by Carmen L. Gleason, American Forces Press Service)

In other developments throughout Iraq:

•           Iraqi citizens and police fought back against an al-Qaeda attack on two villages near Kana’an early Thursday morning, brought on because the villagers had begun assisting Iraqi Security Forces in pushing the terrorist group out of the area.

•           Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops were engaged with small arms and machine gun fire by illegal militiamen while searching for a cache in a northwestern neighborhood of the Iraqi capital Thursday.

Aeromedical Teams Provide Care, Comfort

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

News from CentCom:

21 Jun 07
By Staff Sgt. Cassandra Locke
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.

SOUTHWEST ASIA — The 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron has not only made it possible for a speedier recovery by picking up injured and sick servicemembers, but is providing the care and comfort needed to put their patients at ease.

Each time a crew from the 379th flies on a mission to care for patients, they are humbled by those injured in theater. [Continue reading.]

This is a mixture of emotions article, from heart-wretching to proud to grateful. It is heart-wretching for me to hear about even one of our men in pain, let alone murdered. But this is war, and I have to deal with it.

It makes me so proud when I hear stories about our injured men who, to them, the only problem is when can they have their 'gear' back and join their team! Gratitude comes from the knowledge that they are doing this for you and me. Maybe not directly, maybe we'll never meet face to face, maybe...but wow. They know this as well. I am truly humbled.

Aviation Battalion Reaches 20,000 Flight Hours

News from CentCom:

21 Jun 07
By Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert
1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Unmanned aerial vehicle teams from 1st Air Cavalry Brigade (ACB) have amassed 20,000 flight hours in the skies over Baghdad.

The crews, assigned or attached to the 615th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) “Cold Steel,” 1st ACB, 1st Cavalry Division, surpassed the deployment total of the unit that previously had the mission in Multinational Division-Baghdad, according to Capt. Joshua Chase, executive officer for Company E, 615th ASB – the unit that conducts the UAV mission for MND-B. [Continue reading.]

Boy, I'll tell ya. If these guys ever stop being competitive, I think it shall be my duty to drop dead! lol. What is the competiton? You'll just have to read the article to find out! Needless to say, these guys are awesome.

Iraqi, Coalition forces move forward despite attacks

News from CentCom:

21 Jun 07
by Spc. Carl N. Hudson
Combined Press Information Center.

BAGHDAD – The Fardh Al-Qanoon spokesman and a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman held a press conference at the Combined Press Information Center Wednesday.

Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Qassim Atta Al-Moussawi, Fardh Al-Qanoon spokesman, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark Fox, a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, discussed the progress of Fardh Al-Qanoon. [Continue reading.]

All 30,000 troops are finally in place, and the Iraqi Army (IA) is working well with them. Sometimes the IA would take the lead in the missions, while at other times the MNF-I would take the lead.

This was a conference to let the people know that no matter what they were hearing in the press, they were indeed working hand in hand. Literally! It's a good report. Thank you, and have a nice day.

Black Hawk Troops Use More Than Body Armor to Keep Each Other Safe

An article from CentCom:

20 Jun 07
By Spc. Alexis Harrison
2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD – For many of the Soldiers in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, the current 15-month tour in Iraq isn't their first. For the rest of the Soldiers in the “Black Jack” Brigade, having well-seasoned leaders can make all the difference.

While out on the streets every day, Soldiers from Troop B, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, rely on much more than just the individual body armor systems they wear. They depend on each other to make it through daily situations and even the entire deployment. [Continue reading.]

This is a great article which tells of young man who learns about leadership by the example he sees all around him. This is one thing we could certainly use a lot more of!

Artillery battalion trades steel rain for hearts and minds

Another article from CentCom:

20 June 2007
Story and photo by Cpl. Rick Nelson
2nd Marine Division.

HADITHAH — The counter-insurgency coalition forces are conducting in Iraq calls for numerous military units to give up their traditional roles and pick up a different weapon. This is nothing new for artillery units, who, since the Battle of Fallujah in November of 2004, have often been called upon to put away their howitzers for rifles, police batons, and claims cards. All around Iraq, artillery batteries and battalions are serving as provisional rifle, military police, and civil military units. In Hadithah, it’s no different.

At the Hadithah Civil Military Operation Center, Marines assigned to 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, an artillery battalion based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. assist the local populace with their civil matters. [Continue reading.]

This is a good article. We need to know more about the counter-terrorism that is taking place. One place to learn a lot is a site by the name of CounterTerrorismBlog. Visit it often. Have a blessed day.

Michael Yon: Death or Glory Part II of IV

Michael Yon used to be in the service, now he is out reporting the facts about what is really happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. Right now he is in Iraq with the British Queen’s Royal Lancers. He has an amazing story to tell. Anyone who remembers the Brits who were kidnapped by Iran will not recognize these people. Nor will you recognize them by the stories the dinosaur media has giving us due to the fact that they have never actually gone to find the truth. They rely on terrorists or people who don't actually know the truth. Anyway, here is the link. Have a nice day.

Hajj Hameed, AQ-I's Chief Justice of Shari'ah, DEAD

There has been heavy clashes between AQ-I (al Qaida in Iraq) and the Old Guard (Baathists and nationalists) for the past two day in the Amiriya district of Iraq. We have heard that there were some clashes by the AP, but we were told that the Iraqi people rose up against the terrorists. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be true.

Omar, from Iraq the Model, has the real news about what is happening in his country. I chose to grab a hold of this little (big) tidbit:

One correction to the AP story, Hajj Hameed was the chief of the Sharia courts of al-Qaeda in Amiriyah, not the leader of the network. Only god knows how many innocent people were executed by orders from this terrorist. Whether killed by Baathists, fellow terrorists, good Iraqis or American troops….Good riddance! [Continue reading.]

I could not agree more. Squirm in hell, you bastard.

Interesting Times

Tomorrow, for the first time since February 1979, the USA will sit down with that rogue regime known as Iran. Why? Hell if I know. I am very upset about this, so I am going to lead you to someone who is in the area of the meeting place.

Omar, from Iraq the Model, has written this article to keep us up-to-date on what is going on over there. You we cannot count on our dinosaur media, but I'll leave that for another day.

I could go into the reasons why this is such a terrible idea, such as human right, nuclear weapons, murdering of our troops, etc, but this has already been said time and time again. Is their anything I could say to stop this from happening?

Why don't we stand them up? They felt all big and mighty when they pulled out of the last meet. Why don't we do it right back? Childish? Then you do not understand what carries weight over in the Middle East! There's always tomorrow.

First, they have to turn over Osama's son...

Military News: 22 May 2007

I decided to post these four articles this way today, because blogger caught me for posting too many articles. Imagine that? lol.

Oil Initiatives, Funding Paying Off in Iraq.
The program’s goal, he said, is to repair and rebuild existing oil systems and components throughout the country and to restore oil production capacity to pre-war levels. ...

Bush, Scheffer Discuss NATO Issues in Texas Meeting.
NATO operations in Afghanistan, transformation of the alliance and missile defense in Europe topped the agenda as President Bush met with NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in Crawford, Texas, today.

Bush called Scheffer a strong advocate for fighting terror, spreading freedom, helping the oppressed and modernizing NATO. The two men held a joint news conference at the Bush ranch.

Improving Fallujah’s Quality of Life.
Maj. Angel Ortiz says he and his staff have the job of rebuilding Fallujah, despite the ongoing threats. He’s working in one of the most challenging areas in Iraq. ...

“Our hope is to do some good so that residents there see things are getting better,” said Ortiz. Ortiz is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division Fallujah Resident Office officer in charge and supervises a staff of 22 people including eight Iraqis. “Those local nationals are risking their lives every day going out and visiting the projects to ensure our contractors are providing quality construction in a safe manner,” he explained. ...

Engineering Department Keeps Shreveport Running.
In the main machinery rooms of USS Shreveport (LPD 12), an Austin-class amphibious docking ship, earplugs are mandatory. The spaces are loud and hot, and without the continued attention of the crew, the ship simply would not go anywhere.

The Sailors on the bridge may run the ship, but they perform their jobs thanks to their shipmates several decks below—the Sailors that make the ship run. ...

Introducing the Lionesses

The Navy has braved a new frontier (GO NAVY!) when they became the first branch of the Armed Forces (Happy Birthday!) to include women in their Seabees.

Band of sisters plays key role in security.

The Lioness program was born when Marine commanders needed a culturally acceptable way to conduct effective searches of Iraqi women at control points along the Iraqi border and other locations. Because men in Muslim countries are not allowed to touch women they are not related to, it was difficult to stop insurgents from using women to smuggle in arms or money. Lioness trains U.S. servicewomen to conduct searches of females, accomplishing the mission while being sensitive to Muslim women. [Continue reading by clicking on the title.]

I know I'm biased, being a woman and all, but I don't women in combat. If you are going to put us in combat, then by God, do it right! LOL.

Iraq Assistance Group Supports the Feature Performance

This article is similiar to the one below it, only this one goes into better theatrics. (It is very well written.) It is about the Iraq Assistence Group and the Personal Security Platoon. The hair on my...?...the skin on my...?...I get the chills thinking about these guys. It is a great read. Have a great weekend, and stay safe!

'You Call…We Haul'

This article will introduce those of you who do not know what the Iraq Assistance Group (IAG) does, and it is a good read for those of you who are aware already. They understand the Personal Security Platoon (PSP), and these guys are the bomb (if you'll pardon the pun). These are the guys that get you from point A to point B alive. Read about these guys. They truly are the people behind the scenes we never hear about, but we couldn't get our jobs done without them. Kudos to you guys! :)

Baghdad ‘Surge’ Moves Forward; Search for Missing Troops Continues

This article covers both the 'surge' and the ongoing search for the three missing men. We have news tonight that the three men are alive, but I do not know how we know this. I can guess, but I will not be doing so on here! lol. Have a good read and a good weekend.

Marine Corps Res Cpl. Mark A. Camp: Someone You Should Know

This article brings pride and tears to all patriots. You have heard of many people in battle and many of them dieing. Captain Camp made it home alive, but not all of them.

In May of 2005, Marines stationed in Anbar province began a week-long hunt to root out insurgents and foreign fighters in the volatile areas around the Syrian border. Dubbed Operation Matador, those tasked with carrying out the mission encountered enemies who had dug in and were ready to fight: deadly roadside bombs, sniper attacks, and several well-planned ambushes.

One day after the operation began, then-Lance Cpl. Camp and his company were sent to New Ubaydi on a house-clearing mission. As Camp’s squad entered one of the houses, insurgents hiding in a closet and in an underground crawlspace opened fire, shooting four Marines. Camp, outside, heard the gunfight and immediately ran inside to help. Three separate times he entered and exited the building to recover his squad members and clear the house of insurgents. [Here is an article written about the ambush, and here is an article written about their Silver Stars.]

It is good to be surrounded with heroes. Lord, please watch over the ones who are still living, comfort the loved ones of the ones whom have gone home, and protect the ones that are still out in the field. Thank you.

Search for missing Soldiers continues

I am praying for their recovery as I hope you are also. Here is what we have so far.

“Right now our focus is on searching for the missing Soldiers, and we’re trying to isolate the areas where we think they could be,” Mintz said. “The (captors) don’t have freedom of movement; if they have the Soldiers, they can’t move them from where they are. We’re doing a deliberate search of the areas for the people responsible for the Soldiers we’re looking for.” [Continue reading.]

May God be with them. Keep those prayers coming.

Romanian Soldiers Stand United with Americans in Iraq

There are many cultural differences, but the similarities are what's more important to these men.

“I don’t see boundaries between Americans and Romanians,” Constantin said. Their efforts have gained the respect of many U.S. soldiers, who provide additional equipment and training to the unit stationed at Logistical Support Area Adder.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael E. Proctor of Jacksonville, Fla., a senior maintenance adviser with the 546th Maintenance Company, said he enjoyed working with the Romanians when he recently taught Humvee maintenance to more than 50 of them.

“I’m pretty impressed with them,” Proctor said, noting the Romanians were eager students who constantly asked questions about the unfamiliar vehicle. The southeastern European country has participated in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom since their beginnings. Currently, there are nearly 600 Romanian soldiers serving throughout Iraq, with a majority of those at the Tallil base, according to their spokesman, Lt. Dorian Constantin Balan. [Continue reading.]

There are many more similarities and friendships. I have heard the same things being said of the Romanians over yonder in Afghanistan. They sound like a great ally. Godspeed to us all.

Sustained U.S. Presence Critical to Security, Iraqi Spokesman Says

While this looks good on the surface, all you have to do is peel the onion to get your eyes to burn. There may be some good news here on the slide.

Despite a desire for U.S. forces to ultimately leave Iraq, Iraqi leaders recognize the need for international support until their military is capable of operating independently, the Iraqi government’s official spokesman said today.

“The fight is beyond the capacity of the Iraqi troops,” Ali Aldabbagh told “bloggers” and online journalists during a conference call today.
[...]
“We do need a regional effort,” he added, but until that coalesces, he said, the presence of the U.S. military is crucial.

On the subject of regional cooperation, Aldabbagh said current efforts by the United States to engage Iran in talks on Iraq are a step in the right direction. Dialogue with Iran will benefit the United States, Iran, Iraq and the entire region, he said.

The history of conflict between the U.S. and Iran “makes Iran more powerful,” he noted. “(The) conflict policy with Iran, it didn’t get us any positive things. We have to try another way of dealing with Iran.”

Iraq must develop ties to a country with which it shares a border over 900 miles long, Aldabbagh said. “Do we need to have a good relation(ship) with Iran? Definitely, they are our neighbors.”

By the same token, he said, the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki must engage all of the country’s political factions, including that of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. [Continue reading.]

I just pray we're not building them up to take us down...

An article you may even like about al Anbar!

Have you noticed we haven't been hearing several stories per day about al Anbar? You and I know why that is, but it is sad that they couldn't even take the time to write a good article for a change. Oh, that's right. I forgot we're losing. BS.

Anbar Province Still Dangerous; Getting Better.

For example, 22 joint security stations in the town of Ramadi now are helping to tamp down violence, Marine Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, ground forces commander for Multinational Force West, said during a news conference.

Continue reading.

Click on the title to read the article. I sure will be glad when all the naysayers have to eat their words!

Master Sgt. Brinda Kupiec, Someone You Should Know

This is a remarkable woman. She had quit her job to be with her husband for his last few years on earth, and now she is at a crossroads. Without him around anymore, the home feels rather empty and lonely. Being in Iraq has given focus and meaning to her life.

Deployment Provides Direction, Focus
By Sgt. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Iraq, May 14, 2007 — Two years ago, a wife sat by her husband’s side, comforting him. The woman had quit her job as a school teacher several years earlier to help her ailing spouse through two bouts of cancer. And then the woman, an Army Reserve soldier lost her spouse of 35 years. [Continue reading.]

I pray she finds the comfort that only God can give, and I know she is giving much comfort to others. If only we could all be like that...