HIMBUS, Iraq – Members of the Iraqi press visited the area of the northern Diyala River Valley known as the "Bread Basket" for the first time in recent memory Jan. 21. The area had been a stronghold and safe haven for al-Qaida in Iraq for several years. However, earlier this month coalition and Iraqi forces cleared AQI from the Bread Basket making it safe enough for Iraqi media to see it for themselves.
Several of the major Iraqi TV networks made the trip, including al-Jazera International, al-Iraqia, al-Sumareyai and al-Salam.
The media witnessed the Iraqi army provide humanitarian aid to the people of Abu Mousa, conduct a medical engagement with the citizens of Himbus and handout kerosene to the people of Taiha.
Iraqi soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Brigade and U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment provided security for the media.
"I have been reading about Diyala lately, but I haven't really had a chance to see it, and you got a real sense that there is much improvement," said Huda Had al-Hamed, a reporter with al-Jazera International. "The Iraqi army was very proud to be here and to be able to do this. They were extremely professional. There is a way out of the madness and violence in Iraq. I think the way is long and complicated, but when you see days like this, you realize that there is a way out."