The Military Minute: Dramatic Turnaround in Iraq

Sadr City was considered one of the most desperate and dangerous parts of Iraq. And that's when Saddam Hussein was in power. Years of neglect by the Iraqi dictator created a haven for militias and terrorist organizations that operated unfettered. The situation was exacerbated after the start of the war and insurgents used it as a home operating base.

U.S. Army engineers have turned their attention to sanitation and reconstruction of essential services in Sadr City. The belief is that if we win Sadr City, we'll win Baghdad and we'll win Iraq. Such action has created a dramatic turnaround and it's having a ripple effect across the country. Once neutral or anti-coalition residents saw the improvements in their city, they couldn't think anything other than it was good for their country. Many started informing coalition forces of the location of insurgents and weapons caches. People are now walking the streets, businesses are open and security is better than it ever has been. Americans and Iraqis are shaking their heads in disbelief at all of the positive changes.

While our Army engineers are in Iraq to provide force protection by disabling IEDs before they kill or injure anyone, they are also there to rebuild roads, schools and clinics as well as to improve water, wastewater and sewage. Sadr City residents have taken notice and it's increasing pride in their community, improving their economy and reducing violence.

This is another example of good news out of Iraq that does not make it onto the mainstream media's airwaves. We normally hear about what our combat troops are doing, how they killed others or have been killed. Yet, it's our troops that are directly supporting nonlethal operations that have created the turnaround in Sadr City and the road map for success in Iraq. We salute these troops and thank them for their service.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense