I bet you thought I found this in the New York Times, right?
When Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of 3rd Infantry Division, walked the streets of Hawr Rajab on Nov. 7, he saw real progress in the city’s security climate.
Four months ago, any U.S. or Iraqi soldier walking the streets here would have likely sparked a battle, as the city was under the control of al Qaeda, and the streets were lined with improvised explosive devices.
Now, with the concerned local citizens fighting back and helping U.S. soldiers secure the city, the threat of al Qaeda has dropped considerably. An Iraqi army mechanized company also is in place, helping to secure the community.
Iraqis setting aside their secular differences also have helped secure the area. Sunnis and Shiites are working together to fight a greater enemy — al Qaeda. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by U.S. forces.
We’re unique here,” Army Capt. Chad Klacius, commander of Troop A, 1st Battalion, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said to Lynch. “The Sunni concerned citizens and Shiia Iraqi army (members) are working together; this is something that has helped us to secure the city.”
While this has certainly taken more time then most people wanted, the objectives of Operation Iraqi Freedom are coming together. How will the retreat and defeat crowd handle this? Of course, the left does enjoy being angry. It is a lifestyle for them, not just a look. They are not happy being happy. They are happy being mad. So, if we actually did retreat with defeat, they would be happy, which would not be the condition that gives them fulfilment. Staying in Iraq makes them mad, which gives them true enlightenment.
Oh, and the surge is working.
