Iraqi troops take control of Green Zone

latimes ^

[flyfree]

Reporting from Baghdad -- As Iraqi schoolchildren sang their country's praises and a band played, the United States formally handed over military control of the heavily fortified Green Zone to Iraqi troops today, a first major step in the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.

For Iraqis, the Green Zone, a walled-off 4-square mile community in Baghdad's core, has come to symbolize the U.S. occupation of their country. Home to about 30,000 residents -- including 14,000 U.S. and coalition forces -- it also encompasses Saddam Hussein's opulent Republican Palace, which was captured by American troops in April 2003 and was, until last month, the site of the U.S. Embassy.

[NordP]

GOOD FOR YOU IRAQI's!!!

ENJOY YOUR LIBERTY & FREEDOM ...just pleeeease stop throwing shoes ;-)

TO A DIVINE 2009!!!

[do the dhue]

Ever hear of a person who has peacemakerphobia?

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2157200/posts?page=1

[Allegra]

Yep. We've got to put our trust in the people who have been liberated now.

All is calm here in the Green Zone tonight.

[flyfree]

That’s the way I look at it too.

Have a great new year.

[jospehm20]

It is very quiet. Just rode my bike back to my hootch at the old embassy estates. I have never seen it so deserted, it is certainly different.

[Edgewood Pilot]

You be safe. Thank you for your service, sir !

[Allegra]

It is very quiet. Just rode my bike back to my hootch at the old embassy estates. I have never seen it so deserted, it is certainly different.

Did you freeze? It's COLD outside tonight! (The again, I'm a Gulf Coast cold-weather wimp.)

Each time I crossed Haifa Street today, it was busy with Iraqi Army convoys. Other than that, yes, it's been pretty quiet.

We like it that way. :)

Sunna saeeda!

[phormer phrog phlyer]

I left the I.Z. (Green Zone) in March of 08, having spent a year there. The changes that occured while I was there were very significant, at that time I would not have made a guess as to when this oould have happened, it certainly would not have been this soon. General Patreaus has done an outstanding job in making this happen. Also folkes remember our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, HOI and where ever they serve, they put in long days with little to no time off, away from families and friends. We owe them so much.

[goodnesswins]

To a DIVINE 2009.....I like that!!!! Happy New Year!!! Make it as great (and divine) as possible.

[jospehm20]

Yeah, it was nippy. I may have to wear a thicker fleece tomorrow. It is strange to not hear any helicopters though.

[Allegra]

Yeah, it was nippy. I may have to wear a thicker fleece tomorrow. It is strange to not hear any helicopters though.

I hadn't even thought about that. You're right - it's almost errily quiet without the air sounds.

Two helicopters did go right over a courtyard where a colleague and I were chatting shortly after noon today, because I remember we had to suspend our conversation until they went over. Those might well have been flying away from the CASH, though.

[tpanther]

Well, I’m sure this will be on the front page of every newspaper and lead each and every newscast...

oh and Harry Reid will issue an apology to President Bush as well as the troops for demanding defeat, as well as Heinz-Kerry, Murtha, Pelosi and the like and finally admit Iraq was nothing like vietnam and Shrillary will issue an apology to General Petraeus for her calling him a liar...

We should call and write each and every network and these treasonous hypocrats demanding apologies!

Treasonous liberal hypocrats need to be held accountable!

[WVNan]

Are you going to be staying in the Green zone, or will you transfer to the embassy? Or can you say outloud?