Normalcy Returns to Baghdad’s Outskirts as Attacks Decline
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2007 – The decrease in violence seen in Baghdad’s northern and western outskirts has created a sense of stability and fueled economic activity that Iraqis view as a presage to the return of normalcy, a U.S. commander posted in Iraq told Pentagon reporters today.
“From a security perspective, there has been significant progress,” Army Col. Paul E. Funk, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, told reporters during a satellite-carried news conference.
The 4,000-soldier-strong 1st Brigade has been responsible for security issues in areas north and west of Baghdad since December 2006, Funk said, noting his unit works closely with Iraqi soldiers, police and local Sunni and Shiite volunteers.
Extremist-committed attacks in his sector have sharply dropped since the first of the year, Funk reported.
“We have seen attacks drop from an average of 150 a week in (the) late January and February timeframe, to less than 10 attacks a week,” Funk said. “The result has been nothing short of phenomenal. When I walk through the local markets, they are full. Small businesses are erupting everywhere.”
The decrease in violence has fostered a feeling of growing civil stability among Iraqis that has encouraged local entrepreneurs to take advantage of economic grants provided by the U.S. military, the U.S. Agency for International Development and other sources, Funk explained.
“A sense of the return of normalcy has caught on, and there has been remarkable progress,” the colonel said.
Polls of who ? 1,000 respondents ? Why is that polls of 1,000 people are valid to people like you but when it's pointed out that FOX's viewership is in the millions you scoff at it and dismiss it ? I don't give a shit about your polls Bill. And I don't give a shit about you. The only thing people like you are interested in is dividing this country.You bitch and moan about how the right always "needs aqnd enemy" then you turn around and practice the same thing. Except that instead of the real enemy you pick your own countrymen to be your enemy. Well fuck you buddy.You want an enemy you've got one right here.And if push comes to shove I'll cut your fucking head off to save it from the likes of you.You people are dead wrong about this war.I don't just think it.I know it.You're all nothing but a bunch of fucking little cowards who stand ready to surrender to these Moslem bastards at the drop of a hat.That's what we did all through the 90's when your boy Clinton was in the White Housse.It's because of him ands his fucking appeasment policies that 9/11 happened.Well now there's a new sherriff in town and he's taking care of business.And there isn't a fucking thing that you or any of your asshole liberal buddies can do about it.We're going to win this war regardless of what leftist cretins like you want.Your opinion doesn't count anymore.We tried it your way for 8 years and it ended in a disaster.
Bad news for you Bill, you obnoxious and questionable Korean War veteran you.
Even Harry Reid is being forced to speak truthfully. Too bad you won't.
You're being sold out by your own side. Imagine that.
Here's what "Senator Happy Harry" sez:
Truth...." We sent other troops over there, and there are a lot of reasons the surge certainly hasn't hurt. It's helped. I recognize that".
Then start the buts. "We can't possibly win even though we are" is essentially what is being said here...and you know it. Harry does too, but just as Harry, you desperately concoct specious arguments, denials and outright lies to furthur your jaundiced agenda.
So tell me Mr. "I wuz a Combat Engineer cum Fifth Columnist"...just why are you trying your damn level best to undermine our nation?
Does it make you feel powerful and punctuate your miserable life with short periods of supposed adequacy?
Here's more truth...you want this nation to lose. Perhaps then you can rise upon your spindly legs from your chair, beat your soft hands upon your flabby chest and crow in triumph.."See! See! Look at me. I've just gotten back at the Major for busting me for deriliction of duty".
Hope the weather is fine in Chicago and have a nice day you traitorous charlatan and by all means, have very Merry Christmas.
Multinational Division Baghdad Transfers Authority
By Sgt. Jason Thompson, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2007 – Control of Multinational Division Baghdad changed hands during a ceremony here yesterday.
The 1st Cavalry Division will redeploy to Fort Hood, Texas, while 4th Infantry Division takes over operations in the Iraqi capital.
Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, presided over the ceremony. He said the battle in Iraq has changed significantly during the last year, and that the success could be directly linked to the 1st Cavalry Division’s efforts in and around Baghdad.
“Significant events are often a result of the right people being in the right place at the right time,” Odierno said. “In the case of Baghdad in 2006 and 2007, the right people were the magnificent men and women of Multinational Division Baghdad and their dedicated Iraqi security force partners.”
Odierno said the soldiers of the “First Team” should be proud of what they accomplished during their tenure in Baghdad. He said the soldiers had a direct, positive impact on the Iraqi people’s day-to-day lives, which is apparent by the increased activity in all the Baghdad markets, traffic on the streets, numerous soccer games played in all the local neighborhoods, and the smiles on the children’s faces.
“The biggest success was the complete, full partnership they formed with their counterparts in the Iraqi army, national police, station police, patrol police and local leaders,” Odierno continued. “Because of their shared concern, genuine care and daily engagement, they earned the trust and confidence of Baghdad’s people. In turn, it sparked a grassroots movement among the millions of residents and empowered them to feel in control of their own destiny.”
The 1st Cavalry Division commander then addressed the audience of Iraqi and coalition leaders, looking back on a year’s worth of successes and sacrifices by his MND-B forces.
“Although the cost has been high, and the toll on the lives of our soldiers has been great, our cause was just and noble, and we have prevailed,” Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr., said. “We have fought together, side by side, and have won every time. Our soldiers know it, and the enemy knows it.
“There is not a place in Baghdad where the enemy feels free or a place to call his home,” he said.
You are completely Insane, Batshit crazy. We have come to expect nothing but meaningless schizophrenic rantings from you. You meet our expectations daily with your inane posts. For your own personal well being and all of those around you why don't you just admit you have a problem and seek treatment.
Remember admitting you have a problem is the very first step on the road to recovery!
Fucking move then lib-tard loser. The nation will certainly be a better place without a washed up liberal Anti-American misfit like you in it anymore.
Eh?
Yes you are quite delusional.
It is a pity the leftists here listen to a third world taco eating wetback like you but it is certainly to be expected in this strange little spot on the internet. Funny how you third world lunatics think your opinion somehow matters.
U.S. General Says Iraq Violence at Lowest Levels Since 2004
Sunday, December 16, 2007
BAGHDAD — Violence in Iraq is at its lowest levels since the first year of the American invasion, finally opening a window for reconciliation among rival sects, the second-ranking U.S. general said Sunday as Iraqi forces formally took control of security across half the country.
Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, the man responsible for the ground campaign in Iraq, said that the first six months of 2007 were probably the most violent period since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. The past six months, however, had seen some of the lowest levels of violence since the conflict began, Odierno said, attributing the change to an increase in both American troops and better-trained Iraqi forces.
"I feel we are back in '03 and early '04. Frankly I was here then, and the environment is about the same in terms of security in my opinion," he said. "What is different from then is that the Iraqi security forces are significantly more mature."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/ 0,2...,317025,00.html
Fill your Stocking BILL!!!!Here You Go LIAR BILL, Pick A Story From FOX NEWS On Iraq:
NEWS ON IRAQTranscript: Gen. David Petraeus on 'FOX News Sunday'
Pentagon Boosting Efforts to Get Weapons to Iraqi Military
U.S., Turkish Military Officials Try for Better Communications Following Weekend Bombing in Iraq
UK Military Forces Transfer Security Control of Southern Iraq to Native Forces
Turkish Jets Strike Kurdish Rebel Targets in Northern Iraq
Triple Car Bombings Kill 26, Wound 100 in Shiite City in Iraq
Congress Moving Closer to Iraq War Funding Compromise
Report: Iraqi Security, Law Enforcement Officials Disappear in U.S.
Lawsuit Claims Blackwater Guards Abandoned Post on Day of Shootings, Used Steroids
Zarqawi Map Aided Successes Against Iraqi Insurgency
U.S. Grand Jury Investigates Blackwater Shooting Incident in Baghdad
Thousands Returning to a Safer Baghdad
'60 Minutes' Identifies 'Curve Ball' Source Who Led U.S. to Invade Iraq
U.S. Forces to Hand Control of Karbala Over to Iraqis on Monday
Iraqi Delegation Tries to Defuse Tensions With Turkey Over Rebels
http://www.foxnews.com/world/ira...iraq/ index.html
Fox reports, News hounds Deny and lie.
Natering naybobs of negativism!!
No need to go there we have troops doing their excellent job there even with you troop haters on here everyday.
Mendell comes home to find his wife and Bill Clinton, naked together in bed. Just as Mendell is about to open his mouth, Slick Willy jumps out of bed and says, "Before you say anything, old pal, what are you going to believe, me or your eyes?"
Free Speech | 12.23.07 - 9:29 am | #
Fixed.They have no advertisers music is played where local commercials should be. The 12 members of the local communist party are the only Air America listeners.
Bill why do you and your news hound friends hate our troops, our government and Fox news?
To prove that you are fake, you even write a letter to a fake entity ( Santa ) in hopes to do what? If you are fake and Santa is fake then your topic is a flop.
The only point that many people wil ltake from your guest blahg is that you hate your country and those who reside in it.As stated before mates, even Murtha has said the surge is working:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/0.../837824- 100.stmIt is a party here also. I don't have to go to Iraq and the idea that I must is a deception on your part.
If you were to go where everything is great you would be going to the republican party. It's great there too...They will get a sexual predator in the white house and while he / she is seducing interns in the oval office. They will plan to use our own equipment to kill us. Since 9/11 they now have a new weapon, it's called Newshounds.
Matadore seems to think that it is morally ok to send others to kill for him.
You love this war so much and think it is moral you could at least try and get a job with Blackwater.
They have free steroids available (as per your link)
theroachman | Homepage | 12.23.07 - 1:53 pm | #
You are off topic... ALERT ALERT!!!
You are all getting off topic..
ALERT ALERT
Most of what I see here is sniveling news hounds who cannot handle the fact that Iraq is becoming a democratic nation right before youe very eyes...
Watch and you will see a new nation born...
In twenty years it will be the top vacation spot for has been newshounds.
Watch and you will see a new nation born...
Matadore | 12.23.07 - 1:56 pm |
Now that will really piss them off.
All of your conjecture about going there is Spin. No noe needs to buy a plane ticket to go there, it's all bullshit.
The fact is that Iraq is getting better. You cannot handle that FACT.
Every news outlet is reporting it not just FOX.
Facts folks, FACTS...
How does the US go about killing a huge amount of innocent people going to lead a country to a democracy?
How does killing someone’s child a way to get them to believe that the US has a better way for them to live?
theroachman | Homepage | 12.23.07 - 1:58 pm |
The answer is in your wording. Innocent is your problem sir.
It is a war and to be quite honest you are off topic. This thread is not about innocent people it is about things getting better in Iraq. Let's stay on topic..
But you can't because ytou have nothing to stand on.
FOX reports all of the news.. These NBC employees can't handle the lose in ratings.. That is the real casualty here. NBC is bleeding.
No LIAR, you saide it was party time over there. I said that "Things are getting Better".. Big differo LIAR dude.
You trying to say that a child has a choice as to where he lives?
Are you saying that child deserved to die because his parents lived in Iraq and had not embraced US made democracy?
theroachman | Homepage | 12.23.07 - 2:03 pm | #
Now read this real slow roach..
I am saying that you want to discuss something that is OFF TOPIC...
This isn't the thread to discuss that.
This thread is about:
Dear Santa: All I Want for Christmas Is For FOX News to Report Everything That Is Happening in Iraq
Reported by Marie Therese - Sun 4:36 AMGUEST BLOGGED BY BILL CORCORAN
Understand now?
Dear Santa,
I have my two front teeth so I don't need teeth, but I would appreciate it if you could put in a good word over at FOX News and tell them a lot of us would like to hear about EVERYTHING that is happening in Iraq, not just carefully edited snippets of half-truth and spin. Rudolph told me that FOX News says things are peachy keen in Anbar Province, but what about the rest of Iraq? He suggested I check out various news outlets and the Iraq Today web site if I want the whole unvarnished truth about Iraq.
Bill shows no proof of his side of the topic and yet he askes for proof. Then when proof is given it is edited or snipped or some bullshit. You would think that Bill works fro mediamatters or newshounds to use those dirty tactics.
MSNBC optimistic. Wow!
HAWIJA, Iraq - Nearly 6,000 Sunni Arab residents joined a security pact with American forces Wednesday in what U.S. officers described as a critical step in plugging the remaining escape routes for extremists flushed from former strongholds.
The new alliance — called the single largest volunteer mobilization since the war began — covers the “last gateway” for groups such as al-Qaida in Iraq seeking new havens in northern Iraq, U.S. military officials said.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22020402/
Things are getting better because the United States is paying money to keep everyone quite. What happens when the money runs out? C-I-V-I--l-L W-A-R ouch.
Free Speech | 12.23.07 - 2:08 pm | #
Oh now you are a war expert like Bill CorLIARon.
Moon Bats - 0
Iraq Better -12
You're just a typical negative-nelly left wing liberal media type. Trust Bush, he has NEVER lied to us, whatever he says must be gospel. Everything is going swimmingly in Iraq, Fox says there are no problems and everything is just peachy, so it must be! Stop being negative, Iraq is fine! (Trust us).
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The number of U.S. military and Iraqi civilian deaths has dropped dramatically, according to recent reports, although American military officials said it is too soon to declare a turning point in the conflict.
Thirty-seven Americans have died in October, the lowest monthly figure since March 2006 when 31 perished, according to the U.S. military.
Three soldiers died Tuesday southeast of Baghdad when a roadside bomb struck a U.S. military patrol.
The number of Iraqi civilians killed in September was 844, down from 1,990 in January, according to Iraqi governmental figures provided to CNN.
Slain bodies found dumped in Baghdad dropped from 428 in August to 301 in September and 151 so far in October, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said.
The numbers mark a decline in fatalities since the war began in March 2003 and point to a decrease in violence after a year of pitched battles and sectarian strife.
Still, cautious U.S. and Iraqi military officials aren't ready to proclaim a decisive moment in the war, saying such an outlook would require the Iraqi government to do a better job of promoting political reconciliation and compromise.
"Well, I think we're almost there," said Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq, interviewed by CNN. "I tell everybody we have momentum. We've not yet created what I consider to be irreversible momentum, but our goal is to create that irreversible momentum."
Other examples of a decline in violence have emerged as well. Watch how a music store owner views the drop in violence »
An Iraqi commander, Lt. Gen. Abud Qanbar, said last week there have been steep decreases in attacks such as car bombings, terrorist operations against Iraqi security forces and civilians, and sectarian assassination attempts.
Iraqi and U.S. officials point to several factors contributing to this decline:
The "surge" offensive added nearly 30,000 U.S. troops this year in Baghdad and insurgent-filled regions near the capital such as Anbar and Diyala provinces.
The Mehdi Army, the militia of the anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, is holding to its cease-fire. Authorities believe the militia has been responsible for killing Sunnis and rival Shiites.
Strides are being made in combating the Sunni-dominated al Qaeda in Iraq.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/ me...html#cnnSTCText
US commander: Big drop in attacks
Story Highlights
Diyala province still sees some of Iraq's worst violence, U.S. commander says
He warns of "continued spectacular attacks"
Commander: U.S. military has seen "precipitous decline" in bomb attacks
U.S. military: Violence down by as much as 60 to 70 percent in some places
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- The top U.S. commander in northern Iraq warned Wednesday that al Qaeda in Iraq was still capable of staging spectacular attacks, despite a 50 percent drop in bombings and other violence in his region.
Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling said al Qaeda in Iraq was being pushed north by the increased numbers of U.S. troops that surged into Baghdad over the summer and fall. The insurgents are also being flushed out of Anbar province by "awakening councils" -- groups of Sunni Arab tribesmen the U.S. military has backed to help fight al Qaeda in Iraq and its allies.
"Many of them have transited our province" of Diyala, which has seen some of the worst violence in Iraq, he said. "There are still some very bad things happening in that province, but we are continuing to pursue al Qaeda, so they don't find a safe haven anywhere."
He said al Qaeda extremists could still carry out attacks against infrastructure projects such as bridges.
"You know, there are going to be continued spectacular attacks," he said when asked about the bombing of a bridge across Mosul dam on Monday.
The attack, carried out with a truck bomb, closed the bridge to vehicle traffic and may have been an attempt by insurgents to bring down the dam. It may also have been an effort by insurgents to create a temporary safe haven on one of its banks.
Built in the 1980s on the Tigris River near Mosul, the dam made headlines in June after a report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said potential erosion of its foundation could cause it to buckle under the water pressure. Such an event could lead to flooding in Mosul and parts of Baghdad, 225 miles to the south.
"We have some intelligence that says it was part of a bigger plot. There is some intelligence that they may have wanted to cut off that side of the river to make safe havens," Hertling said. "There are some indications that they wanted to close that route because it is used by coalition forces."
Hertling added: "I personally think it is an additional indicator that these people who are trying to disrupt the people of Iraq will do anything to screw up the people of Iraq."
He said that during an ongoing operation against insurgents and al Qaeda in western Diyala province, military forces discovered weapons caches, a torture chamber with a bed that was wired to electrocute victims and knives and swords covered in blood.
Violence in Iraq has abated in recent months, and the U.S. military has said it has dropped by as much as 60 to 70 percent in some places.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/ me...html#cnnSTCText
Bill is obviously Schizophrenic.
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