New security strategy transforms battleground (A Must Read)

Telegraph ^ | March 1 2007

[jmc1969]

The car window wound down and a man with a knowing leer on his face looked out. "I am the Madhi army," the driver told the Iraqi soldier manning a checkpoint.

What happened next was shocking, not only for the driver but also the American army units operating in the area. The soldier barked an order: "Get out of the car and put your hands behind your head."

The Madhi army has been the dominant security force in eastern Baghdad for two years. The American and Iraqi "surge" of forces to establish order in the Iraqi capital had notched up a singular victory.

The man arrested at the checkpoint on Zafaraniyah Freeway expected to move with impunity on streets where the militia's black flag billows from nearly every building. The deployment of the new Iraqi army's 1-4-1 infantry battalion, formerly based in the Sunni insurgent hotspot of Fallujah, changed the equation. Capt Andy White of America's 2-17 Field Artillery Regiment said the detention of the man was a significant breakthrough.

"We were planning on actioning this guy on a lengthy list of charges, he was a dangerous man," he said. "That the Iraqis were able to pick him up is great. They've got the dialect advantages, they can detect from within the culture. This is a significant pick-up for the combined forces."

Capt William Billeter claims that the level of street activity has soared. "It's exciting for us to see things change. Before when we saw an empty street that was a signal that a bomb was there and people had pulled their kids in. We want to see crowds. It's a good thing."

Phase one of the plan to transform Baghdad's security has brought a startling drop in crime — as much as 80 per cent, according to estimates.

[Irish Eyes]

Iraqi soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division took delivery of 10 new armored humvees, complete with their unique paint scheme and Iraqi flags painted on the sides.

Thanks for the pictures, this is very good news.

[Irish Eyes]

"I hope that all the rats have not just gone underground to wait us out."

No such luck. Pelozi, Reid, Murtha, Kennedy, Kerry -- they're all still in D.C.

Boy you sure did nail that one.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks JMC.

The man arrested at the checkpoint on Zafaraniyah Freeway expected to move with impunity on streets where the militia's black flag billows from nearly every building. The deployment of the new Iraqi army's 1-4-1 infantry battalion, formerly based in the Sunni insurgent hotspot of Fallujah, changed the equation. Capt Andy White of America's 2-17 Field Artillery Regiment said the detention of the man was a significant breakthrough.

Another significant breakthrough will be watching his hanging.

[ozzymandus]

The mahdi army people should be shot on sight.

[AU72]

Germanicus Maximus Petraus

"We who are about to die salute you!"

[CDHart]

"their equipment would all be junk in no time."

Does our stuff fall apart that quickly?

Carolyn

[Chgogal]

Check Post # 62. You can see how much of Iraq is under Iraqi control!!!! The map is at the top of the post.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1792428/posts?page=62#62

[steel_resolve]

we're winning. SURGE HOORAH!!!

[Marine_Uncle]

Thanks.

[Seadog Bytes]

Bump!