Posted on 10/02/2008 4:22:17 PM PDT by SandRat
SAMARRA — After two years of silence enforced by sectarian violence, prayers of Shia worshippers were echoed recently in Samarra’s Maqam Ghaybat Shrine, which is co-located with the ancient Al Askari Shrine. Shia faithful gathered the morning of Sept. 30 to pray to commemorate the end of Ramadan.
“Hundreds of people were at the Mosque for the Eid celebration,” said Maj. Gen. Rasheed Flahe Mohammed, Samarra Operation Center Commander, who’s a Shia himself. “Today we are celebrating in the mosque. We are very happy.”
The Samarra Operation Command’s comprehensive security strategy has bolstered the confidence and courage of the citizens of Samarra. Elements from the National Police, Iraqi Army and local Sunni Sons of Iraq have provided security contributions.
“After five years, Samarra achieved a lot of services. Thanks go to the Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army, Sons of Iraq and support of Coalition forces,” said Mahmood Khalaf Ahmed, Samarra Mayor.
2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Commander, Lt. Col. J.P. McGee said, “A year ago the city was in the grips of terrorists, and we as a team set out to destroy the foundation of fear that paralyzed any progress in the city. Because of the active support of the population and the close cooperation of ISF, what we have been able to do as American forces is to shift our focus from fighting the insurgents to helping rebuild the city.”
Samarra citizens told McGee that Ramadan festivities have not seen such a peaceful setting since 2003, he said.
The rebuilding of the Al Askari Shrine or Golden Dome Mosque is vital for the future of Samarra and Iraq, yet the reconstruction of the city is crucial for its citizens.
“I wish to see more improvement. As you know Samarra had suffered a lot,” said Mayor Ahmed. “It is going to take a long time to get Samarra where it was.”
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