Posted on 09/11/2006 6:25:28 PM PDT by SandRat
FOB KALSU — “Iraqis helping Iraqis” was the theme in Baghdad's Rasheed district Aug. 25-28 as local residents helped patch together a road that had been blown apart by terrorists.
In the past, numerous roadside bombs were detonated on the streets between Adwaniyah and Hawr Rajab, leaving huge craters and nearly impassable roads.Now, in a move as symbolic as it was utilitarian, local contractors disregarded terrorist threats and ventured out to repair thoroughfares throughout the area, opening the way for uninhibited travel by members of the community.
“The workers did a great job and worked very hard for two days to complete this monumental task,” said Staff Sgt. Micah Greene, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge for Company B, 412th Civil Affairs Battalion. “This road repair demonstrates the local contractors' patriotism and courage by standing up to the cowardly terrorists and working hard to fix this road.”
Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provided security while the contractors worked.
The repairs to the road also eased travel into the area, which has allowed the local economy to slowly recover, explained Capt.Jon Bodenhamer, a unit commander.
Residents of the area provided testament to the changes.
“Business has greatly improved because of this road repair,” said one Iraqi citizen. “It is easier to get benzene from the local benzene station because more fuel trucks can get there faster.”
Many projects have been started in the Rasheed area because of the willingness of the local populace to end terrorism in their backyard, said Greene. He pointed to a trash cleanup project as a means of not only beautifying the area, but also giving terrorists fewer places to hide roadside bombs.
Meanwhile, Iraqis in the region continue to gather their own information on the actions of suspected terrorists and turn that information over to Iraqi Army Soldiers and Coalition forces, Bodenhamer said. This allows the joint forces to move on any terrorist action before innocent people are harmed.
Rewards are often given to those who assist in getting terrorists off the street.
“More and more Iraqis are stepping up to the challenge every day and standing up to the terrorists,” Bodenhamer said. “They are beginning to realize that if they stand together, the terrorists cannot win.”
Locals helping Locals in Iraq with Coalition support.
Good news - stuff that up your wahzoo MSM!
More troops would just take away legitimacy for what is happening there with their own soldiers and their own government taking power.
These people lived under unbelievable terror with Saddam Hussein and his demon sons all their lives. Just the thought of him returning to power must be absolutely terrifying to anyone thinking of helping our troops. Theres probably been some of his people out 'taking notes'. Until he is dead, I'm sure a lot of people will be sorely afraid to do anything. So it's amazing to read a story like you posted here.
Enough time has passed with Saddam still in captivity that people must be just starting to let themselves think "this is really going to work."
The Wild East. May the Iraqi versions of the Texas Rangers civilize it.
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