Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson | People mill about the entrance of a local market in al Kut on Oct. 21, 2008.... read more read more
By Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson
41st Fires Brigade
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Walking down the streets of al Kut, you'll notice that shops are buzzing and markets have plenty of goods for sale.
Children ride their bicycles in the street alongside horse-drawn carts carrying goods to and from the market place.
People smile, and respond with "Alaikum al Salam," which is "And upon you be peace," when greeted in passing.
On this particular afternoon, coalition soldiers, accompanied by the provincial director of police and the 32nd Iraqi army brigade commander, are walking down the streets of al Kut, heading to a restaurant for lunch.
Walking beside the Iraqi security forces leadership is the the 41st Fires Brigade commander, Col. Richard M. Francey Jr. On this particular stroll, he is dressed like his Iraqi partners, in uniform but with no body armor.
"It is a testament to the Iraqis taking control of their destiny," said Francey. "They have a vested interest in the stability and security of their province and city, and because they are taking responsibility of the security by working with the Iraqi security forces, I feel comfortable in walking down the streets with my Iraqi brothers."
Accompanying Francey on this walk towards a late lunch, is Capt. Krofton Owen, 41st Fires Bde. ISF Line of Effort chief, who serves as liaison for Iraqi police and coalition forces.
"The overall attitude that I perceived was very receptive, with people smiling and shaking hands with us," said Owen. "The markets we saw looked better than some of the larger markets I have seen while on vacation."
Seven months ago, the situation was drastically different on the ground in Al Kut, as Jayish Al- Mahdi forces held an uprising in the city in March. The ISF responded, and ever since, have steadily improved their professionalism and ability to provide security to the people of Wasit.
"They have come a long ways," said Capt. Tommy Karpuk, the 41st Fires Bde. Iraqi army Line of Effort chief, who also went along for the walk.
"We have been working with the ISF, helping them and training them so that they can get better and better at their jobs, and it shows," he added.
For now, the security situation in Al Kut seems safe, said Owen. With the provincial security being handed over at the end of October, it will be the ISF who will be solely responsible the safety, stability and security of Wasit province, he added.
| Date Taken: | 10.24.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.24.2008 19:13 |
| Story ID: | 25509 |
| Location: | AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 330 |
| Downloads: | 264 |
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