Posted on 07/10/2006 6:11:40 PM PDT by MinorityRepublican
TIKRIT, Iraq - While Baghdad erupts in sectarian violence, the general in charge of U.S. forces in northern Iraq believes security has improved enough for soldiers to think about a day when the attacks stop.
"Security is at a level where we can begin worrying about economics, about projects," Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Turner told The Associated Press. "It's true in Mosul. It's true in Tal Afar. And it's true in Tikrit."
Turner, commander of the 101st Airborne Division, was referring to northern Iraqi cities that were deeply embroiled in insurgent violence. Although the insurgent threat remains, the area is less turbulent than central Iraq or the western province of Anbar.
That's notable, Turner said, because many U.S. military commanders had thought the northern provinces under his command would be lasting insurgent strongholds, with roads forever lined with bombs and gunmen always targeting U.S. convoys.
Now computer labs are being built in Mosul and libraries are planned in Tal Afar.
But progress admittedly has come at a cost, Turner said.
More than 150 soldiers from his division, the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Ky., have died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003. Most recently, three soldiers from the division's 2nd Brigade were slain - including two whose bodies were mutilated - when left alone to guard a checkpoint along the Euphrates River south of Baghdad.
"The loss of each soldier is just horrible and we're proud of what they accomplished and only want to make sure their deaths mattered," Turner said.
The division prepares to return home after a yearlong deployment, the war will linger with them. Soldiers from two of its brigades have been charged with murder for allegedly killing Iraqi civilians, the latest in a string of abuse allegations against U.S. service members.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Progress in Northern Iraq
Probably due to pro-US Kurds.
Screaming Eagles ping:)
Bttt
Excuse me while I fix the passive, liberal wording in this headline.
101st Airborne Division general feels sees north Iraq making progress
There, much better.
well I'm glad to see some people supporting the 'hearts and minds' part and not fall into the the 'nuke all ragheads' 'death to islam' rethorics.
Good thread - thoughtful posts.
ping
I can only speak for myself -- I had a momentary lapse of peace and joy. I promise it won't happen again!
it's certainly more fun to switch the brain to off and chant with the masses.
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