Photo By Mark Matthews | Iraqi policemen patrol a market in the District of East Rashid in Baghdad March 31....... read more read more
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By Sgt. Mark Matthews
Multi-National Division - Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Smiling faces, busy streets and crowded markets were apparent throughout Baghdad as Iraqi security forces could be seen at nearly every corner keeping close watch over their friends, their Families – their citizens.
Despite the recent rise in violence in parts of Baghdad, the local citizens in the district of East Rashid seemed to notice the strong influence of the Iraqi Police, March 31, and carried on with this Monday just as they would any other.
"The people of Baghdad saw their Iraqi security forces standing up to the terrorists and criminals," said Col. Allen Batschelet, a native of Spencer, Iowa, who serves as the chief of staff with the 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad. "Their presence and sacrifice is noticed."
During a patrol to assess the situation in parts of the East Rashid district, Capt. Michael Walker, a native of Guthrie, Okla., who serves as the security company commander with Company D, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B noticed the IPs were out in full force, conducting their mission of keeping the peace.
"Basically, the (IPs) were doing their job," Walker said. "They were checking traffic, making sure no one had any suspicious license plates; they did some searches, and it looked like business as usual."
Many of the checkpoints in Baghdad are being run completely by ISF without U.S. or Coalition Forces involvement. They are searching vehicles, directing traffic and patrolling markets.
Walker, who had some experience working in the East Rashid area his last deployment, said he's noticed that due to the increased ISF presence in the area, it is a lot safer of a place now than it was then.
"In the markets, everyone seemed to be in good spirits and everyone was just going about their daily activities," Walker said. "Activity like I saw today... I don't think I've ever seen that many people out."
Not only are IPs conducting their mission, they are also looking like a force to be reckoned with.
"Several years ago, the Iraqi Security Forces wore a hodge-podge of uniforms," said Batschelet. "In recent years, at graduation ceremonies, holidays and out on the streets of Baghdad, you see the Iraqi men and women wearing their uniforms and conducting their duties with pride."
On the streets, public transportation like taxis and buses could be seen running from location to location.
The oil refinery in East Rashid was open and filling tankers. Roadside construction was evident at many of the intersections – all while Iraq's "boys in blue" stood by ensuring the work got done.
The IPs seem to have a little ways to go before they are completely ready to take on the entire mission of keeping Baghdad safe from terrorists and criminals, but Batschelet said, it's just going to take time.
"It's going to take time," Batschelet. "In most areas the (ISF) already have the respect of the people. A lot of that has to do with experience and capability."
With the IPs' work ethics combined with the ever-growing support of the Iraqi people, they seem to be heading in the right direction.
"They have the heart," Batschelet added. "You see, daily, their sacrifice as well as that of their Families."
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2008 15:32 |
| Story ID: | 18083 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 309 |
| Downloads: | 302 |
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