When I read that headline, I thought this was going to be a bad news story. I was expecting to read about how the IA left the city because of the dangers and how they were retreating from the face of the enemy. I was happy to be wrong:
FALLUJAH – The last battalion of Iraqi soldiers with 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, withdrew from the Anbar Province city of Fallujah, Sept. 1, leaving the city’s security and stability in the hands of the local police and government.
Brig. Gen. Ali al-Hashemi, the brigade’s commander, said the time had come when Iraqi Police alone could handle law enforcement in the city.
That is some great news right there. Here’s to seeing more of the same from across the country.
Initially the IA provided security over the city to give the fledgling police force time and breathing space to develop. Now with a strong force, the locals trust the IPs and are cooperating with counterinsurgent activities.
“(Since) Col. Faisal got here in November, there has been expediential growth with the IPs, both in their numbers and also in their development,†Thoele said. “The IPs are still having equipment and manning problems, but they are working through it.â€
Under al-Hashemi’s guidance, his soldiers routinely respond with, “I am Iraqi,†whenever asked by civilians whether they are Shiite or Sunni, Thoele said.
Fantastic work all. That is quite a change from when American contractors were being set on fire and strung up from bridges. Great job.
