Basra Residents Welcome Iraqi Army

Why, it’s almost like they didn’t like living under a radical, Iranian puppet.

Three weeks after Iraqi troops swarmed into the southern city of Basra to take on armed militiamen who had overrun the streets, many residents say they feel safer and that their lives have improved.

…The port of Umm Qasr is in the hands of the Iraqi forces who wrested control of the facility from Shiite militiamen, and according to the British military it is operational once again.

…"I am very happy about the situation right now. The deployment of the Iraqi army has made gunmen and gangsters disappear from the streets," said court employee Mahdi Fallah, 42.

"The gangs were controlling the ports and smuggling oil. Now the ports are back in government hands. Everything in Basra is better than before."

Taxi driver Samir Hashim, 35, said he now felt safer driving through the city's streets and was willing to put up with the traffic jams caused by the many security checkpoints.

"We feel secure. Assassinations have ended, organised crime is finished and armed groups are no longer on the streets," said Hashim.

"I think Basra will be the best city in Iraq," he added optimistically. "We are finally beginning to feel there is law in Basra."

"We feel comfortable and safe and secure," said civil servant Alah Mustapha.

Yes there were initially problems with some troops deserting or not performing well and yes everything in Iraq is fragile and reversible, but it seems the reports of the failure of the Iraqi government and Army were, um, premature.

This was an Iraqi planned and executed (with US logistical and air support) operation. Isn't this idea of Iraqis taking control of their own country suspiciously like what the US has been trying to accomplish all along and Democrats are demanding happen RIGHT NOW?

Boy, we better withdraw faster before things get any better worse.

h/t The Corner

posted by DrewM. at 01:01 PM

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