Secretary of Defense visits Iraqi, Multi-National Division – Baghdad leadership

Photo By Sgt. Philip Klein | Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Hammond, commander of Multi-National Division - Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division, welcomes Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to a briefing by Iraqi government and military leaders at Camp Liberty, Sept. 15, 2008. Topics during the meeting included the security situation, the return of displaced Iraqis and the transition of the Sons of Iraqi security program members to the Iraqi government.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.24.2008

Story by Sgt. Philip Klein 

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Sgt. Philip Klein
Multi-National Division – Baghdad, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Robert Gates, the Secretary of Defense, paid a visit to the leadership of Multi-National Division – Baghdad and Iraqi civilian and military leadership to discuss the progress of resettlement of displaced Iraqis, security improvements and the transition of the Sons of Iraq to the government of Iraq in Baghdad, Sept. 15, 2008.

The agenda for the briefing was laid out by Col. Ted Martin, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division commander, who stated the priorities for his brigade and the division, which include the return of Iraqis to their homes amid increased security, the reconstruction projects and the integration of SOI members into the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior.

Gates said his first trip to Baghdad was two years ago at the high point of violence for the city, and there have been dramatic changes since that first visit.

"I can hardly believe my eyes, the improvements to security and the reconstruction efforts are a credit to the work of the Iraqi security forces and coalition forces," said Gates.

Yakoob Youssif, the District Advisory Council chairman for Rashid, also spoke during the brief thanking the security partners for their hard work.

"The Rashid District is a large geographical area and was a very hot zone for criminal activity, but thanks to the work of the Iraqi army, the SOI and the American forces, security and stability have been reestablished," said Yakoob.

In addition to the transition of SOI members to the GOI, a major concern for Yakoob was the return of internally displaced persons.

"As a member of the DAC and the Neighborhood Advisory Council, I hear the complaints of people who are returning to their homes with the return of security only to find them damaged or strangers living in them," he continued.

Gen. Mustafa, an SOI leader in Rashid was concerned with members of his organization, who would be transitioning to Iraqi government control and what were the options they had for service to their country.

"Some SOI members have college degrees, and they will not be going into the IA or national police. They should instead be used in other areas of government service." said Mustafa. "They are qualified and educated and for the loyalty they have shown to their government by taking up arms to defend their country from terrorist. They should find jobs with the government."

Gates said that he was well aware of the sacrifices made by the people of Iraq, and said that the casualties of the Iraqis out-weighed those of the coalition.

"The best thing we can say is that it seems from what I have seen in Iraq that the sacrifices were not in vain," said Gates.

• Date Taken: 09.24.2008
• Date Posted: 09.24.2008 06:19
• Story ID: 24064
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ