Good News From Iraq

[Acumen]

I think it is important to create this thread for a number of reasons.

• First, our soldiers deserve to receive recognition for their daily hard work and sacrifice in dangerous environments, unbearable climates, and in conditions that are not conducive to comfortable living.
• Second, the American public deserves to hear news that often doesn't make the major media because it often isn't sensational enough to qualify.  Unfortunately, bad news sells better than good news.
• Third, during election season, it's important for people to be aware what's really transpiring in Iraq or in the middle east in general.  After all, the next candidate we elect will inherit the occupation of Iraq for years to come.
• And fourth, it will be enlightening to discover there is actually more good news coming from Iraq than bad news.  In reality, one shouldn't expect the converse unless one truly thinks that the American military is significantly incompetent at what they do.  The truth is, they do a lot more than kill terrorists and train Iraqis.  In fact, they do so much more, it's a shame the public isn't aware of it.

To start off the thread with good news, here we go:

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"The Iraqi military said it killed eight “gunmen” inside Sadr City over the past 24 hours. The US military said it killed two Mahdi Army fighters from the night of May 12 to the morning of May 13 during five separate engagements. Three more Mahdi Army fighters were killed in the Mahdi-influenced neighborhood in New Baghdad and in northwestern Baghdad as they planted roadside bombs.

The attacks occurred during construction on the barrier along Qods Street, the main thoroughfare that divides the southern third of Sadr City from the northern neighborhoods. The US military used air weapons teams armed with Hellfire missiles, Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, and infantry to beat back the attacks.

The US military does not believe the radical elements of the Mahdi Army will obey Sadr’s call for a cease-fire. “They are obviously not listening to any agreement, and hence why we call them Special Groups and rogue elements, “ said Lieutenant Colonel Steven Stover, the chief Public Affairs Officer for Multinational Division Baghdad, in an email to The Long War Journal."

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As the article indicates, the Iraqi forces did a good job defending themselves against attacks, however there is a little bit of bad news here.  The attackers are not listening to the Mahdi Army leadership that agreed to a truce and stipulated to further negotiations designed to allow the ISF into Sadr City for weapon confiscation, illegal court house closures, and arrest distribution based upon outstanding warrants.  Hopefully this pans out.

[Acumen]

Oh, and the article was taken from our homepage entitled "Clashes continue in Sadr City."

[Faithfulee]

Thanks for starting this topic and I shall be adding news as I read them.

Also note that we are getting good response to "Victory in Iraq"

Today's complaint from WW was about the wall that is being Built in Sadr City.

You are all inited to comment there.  Lets keep this about the "good news"

[Acumen]

After the cease fire agreement on May 11th, the fighting in Sadr City has decreased significantly, but has not stopped.  Since March 25, the American and Iraqi military has killed 600 Mahdi soldiers, sometimes 20-30 at a crack, while taking in few fatalities in comparison from the skirmishes.  As of now, the most of the massive concrete wall that partitions the southern bloc of Sadr City from militia attacks has been built.  And many Mahdi soldiers died trying to prevent construction efforts, which as provided ample security from rocket attacks.

Meanwhile, there have been less attacks in Sadr city and more attacks in western Baghdad as military strategists theorize that militia groups are attempting to draw coalition military attention from the Mahdi army "penned up" in Sadr city.  As the US and Iraqi military begins putting the squeeze on Sadr city, we can expect one of two things to occur.  First, we exterminate the threat gradually by narrowing our focus on Sadr city.  Or second, the Mahdi army recognizes their situation and negotiates their surrender.  The latter is the more likely result.

Either way, our troops have done a splendid job thus far.   

[Faithfulee]

Tha is indeed good news.

More good news is the absence of much bad news in recent weeks.

And that includes the fact that US media and the defeatocrats are not using the phrase

"Occupiers"  to describe our brave and successful military in Iraq.

I have a topic on that also.

[SquirleyWurley]

There's always that issue of trust, for me, when it comes to Muslim leadership in the Arab world, but it would be nice to see an Iraq run by Iraqi's, with more respect civil and human rights than most other Arab countries.  Any evidence in that direction would be good news.

I truly wish it was as simple as IMPOSING civil and human rights and a workable set of constitutional/representative institutions upon other countries.  But it isn't.  And it is a difficult process for many countries to go through, apparently, with or without outsiders being involved.

[Faithfulee]

There's always that issue of trust, for me, when it comes to Muslim leadership in the Arab world, but it would be nice to see an Iraq run by Iraqi's, with more respect civil and human rights than most other Arab countries.  Any evidence in that direction would be good news.

I truly wish it was as simple as IMPOSING civil and human rights and a workable set of constitutional/representative institutions upon other countries.  But it isn't.  And it is a difficult process for many countries to go through, apparently, with or without outsiders being involved.

You have that right, of course.

We are dealing with diffent cultures, countries, and a different Muslim Sects all fighting for control of the government of Iraq.  This is a very tenuous situation that demands the full support of the American Public. 

Any day without bad news is good news.  But some good news is that our casualties this month is less than half what it was a year ago. 

[SquirleyWurley]

Does such a tenuous situation DESERVE the FULL support of the American public, and in what sense of support are you talking about, exactly?  I don't think the answers are slam-dunk.

[Faithfulee]

Does such a tenuous situation DESERVE the FULL support of the American public, and in what sense of support are you talking about, exactly?  I don't think the answers are slam-dunk.

We need to be victorious in Iraq as defined by a democatic Iraq Government that can protect it's people for the Radical Islamist who are killing Muslims every day. 

The public will support that end rather than surrender now and leave the country in chaos with evern greater violence and killing.   

[Acumen]

Breaking news from Beliefcorner's homepage news feed:

Al Qaeda “Prince” reported captured in Mosul today.  Iraqi security forces, supported by the the U.S. military, have detained more than 1,100 insurgent operatives since operation Lion’s Roar began, and today they captured the prince of Ninewa.

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/05/al_qaeda_prince_repo.php

[Faithfulee]

Progress in Iraq

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121124572497705757.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Regarding Kurdistan and by Mr. Barzani is prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq.

Let me start with the conclusion



As Americans debate the future of the U.S. role in Iraq, allow me to say that America's mission remains vital to the stability and security of our region. A precipitous withdrawal of U.S. forces could be calamitous. We welcome a U.S. presence in the Kurdistan Region as part of any redeployment of forces.

The Kurdish people of Iraq suffered under Saddam Hussein. And we fought and died alongside Americans to liberate our country. There is no ambiguity about the depth of gratitude that Kurds feel for America's sacrifices in Iraq. Americans who have been killed or wounded in Iraq are heroes to me and to all of Iraq's Kurds. We will never forget what you have done for us.

The body includes progress in both the political and economic area.  Notably the production of Oil and a firm defense against al Qaseda.

Since 2003, we have built the Kurdistan Region as a model for democracy and a gateway for development for all of Iraq

This seems to be from a different world doesn't it.  But Kurdistan in a vital part of Iraq, where the oil is and the source of a bright economic future for Iraq.  And of course for the world if we can get the vast oil resourses flowing into the world market.

[Acumen]

Good post.  It's unfortunate that stuff like this doesn't get media attention.

[Acumen]

Breaking news from Beliefcorner's homepage news feed:

The ISF entered the northern regions of Sadr City today.  Thousands of ISF troops moved into the Mahdi Army stronghold just before dawn utilizing "well planned and organized steps" in an attempt to secure the neighborhoods, arrest wanted criminals, and seizing unlicensed weaponry.  The ISF is on high alert and will target anyone who poses a danger to them.  Between 4-5,000 ISF troops are in Sadr City, and they met little resistance thus far while assuming nearby hospitals, police stations, and political headquarters formally manned by the Mahdi Army.

This is breaking news folks, let's pray for little fatalities in this effort.

[Faithfulee]

There are American troops standing by to help if needed, but I join the prayer that the Iraqi military can handle this situation on their own.

Victory in Iraq will come when the Iraqi government can deal with the Islamic terrorists and the people have more confidence in the civil government than radical Muslim clerics.

Consider what the US reputation would be if all sections of Iraq would be like Kurdistan.

That would be a real problem for the Democrats this election.

Let su pray for Peace in Iraq

[Acumen]

There are American troops standing by to help if needed, but I join the prayer that the Iraqi military can handle this situation on their own.

Victory in Iraq will come when the Iraqi government can deal with the Islamic terrorists and the people have more confidence in the civil government than radical Muslim clerics.

Consider what the US reputation would be if all sections of Iraq would be like Kurdistan.

That would be a real problem for the Democrats this election.

Let su pray for Peace in Iraq

If this latest mission goes well, it may be a problem for Obama in the general.

[Faithfulee]

More good news.

[WorldWarrior]

Is it "good news" that 42,000 MORE US Troops are being deployed to Iraq?

[Faithfulee]

Is it "good news" that 42,000 MORE US Troops are being deployed to Iraq?

Absolutlly for the 50000 troops or more that they will REPLACE.

[Acumen]

News came in today of the death of a Mahdi Army senior member via by a guided rocket strike in Sadr City on May 3rd.  Arkan Hasnawi was a senior commander of the Mahdi Army, and on a few occasions, he fought against the US and ISF in Baghdad in February.  He is also known to be behind the kidnapping of Shia and Sunni tribal leaders and 6 Sons of Iraq.


http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/05/us_military_killed_m.php

[WorldWarrior]

Now we're bombing Sadr city?

How are we inrusing the safety of the 2 Million+ people==men, women and children--who live there while we try to pick off a few "leaders"?