Posted on 07/21/2006 3:51:21 PM PDT by SandRat
MOSUL – Task Force Band of Brothers turned over control of the former Saddam Hussein presidential compound to Iraqi government officials during a ceremony in Mosul on July 20.
Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Turner II, commanding general, Task Force Band of Brothers handed the “key to the palace” to Duraid Mohammed Da’ud Abbodi Kashmoula, the Nineveh province governor.
“The turnover of Forward Operating Base Courage is one of the larger efforts towards empowering the Iraqi people and represents an important step in achieving Iraqi self-reliance,” said Turner. “The gains made during the past three years demonstrate that the provincial government, the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police are increasing their capabilities to take the lead for their nation’s security”.
The Mosul VIP residence site, built 1.4 square miles and completed in 1994, contained Saddam Hussein’s northernmost presidential site and includes several palaces and VIP residences, three lakes, and man-made waterfalls. According to the complex’s pre-war caretaker, it was built for Saddam Hussein’s son, Qusay. Apparently, neither Hussein nor his sons actually stayed there.
Turner also spoke about the historic site. “The soil on which this palace stands is what brings significance to this event. The soil of Mosul stands as an example of the diverse ethnic and religious nature of Iraq where people lived in harmony for centuries,” he said.
The main palace, situated in one of the former regime’s palace buildings overlooking the Tigris, has been home to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Division Main Command Post, Task Force Olympia CP, and the Task Force Freedom CP.
“Now this palace will be used to benefit the Iraqi government and its people,” said Kashmoula.
The compound has also served as headquarters during some of Iraq’s greatest successes. Notable among those many successes was the May 5, 2003, Mosul city and Ninewa provincial council elections, the first post-Saddam Hussein election in Iraq.
While serving as northern headquarters, it played host to many dignitaries, among them: Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld; Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice; Secretary of Army Francis J. Harvey; many U.S. senators; comedian Robin Williams; and actor Bruce Willis.
Since the departure of Task Force Freedom in December 2005, the compound has been home to elements of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and other Coalition forces. Earlier this year, they began the task of vacating and restoring the compound in order to hand it over.
Many Iraqi officials attended the momentous event, including Nineveh Vice Gov. Goran; Maj. Gen. Jameel, commander, 2nd Iraqi Army; Gen Wathiq, provincial chief of police; and Gen. George Casey, commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq were also in attendance.
Iraq is taking charge
We're doing great. Check out the latest Iraq index report.
85% of the trouble is occurring in only 4 provinces, and they contain less than half the poopulation.
Check out the drop off in attacks on the infrastructure, especially since since al Zarqawi took a dirt nap.
http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/indexarchive.htm
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