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WASHINGTON D.C. (March 12, 2008) - Police in Iraq's Wasit
province are gaining the trust of the local populace while assuming
more responsibility for security, a senior U.S. military officer in
Iraq said today.
"As far as security, I'm very, very encouraged," Army Col. Peter
Baker said during a conference call with civilian military
analysts.
Baker, an artilleryman who commands 214th Fire Brigade, has
worked security and economic issues across Wasit province since
June. The province includes the city of Kut, which is located along
the Tigris River about 103 miles southeast of Baghdad.
"The security situation has not always been this stable" in the
province, Baker said. Today, however, Wasit province's new police
chief is providing both a positive influence and results.
The Iraqi law enforcement official is "well-respected throughout
Wasit province, both from a tribal perspective and tribal
officials," Baker said.
Wasit province residents now "welcome the Iraqi police into
their neighborhoods," Baker said. At one time, he noted, local
Iraqis believed that their police were being intimidated by the
insurgents.
"But now, the police are coming to arrest the (insurgent)
militia," Baker pointed out.
The province's police force has led several recent
anti-insurgent operations, Baker noted, as they team with coalition
and Iraqi military forces.
Wasit province residents now realize "if you have security, you
can go about doing reconstruction," the colonel explained.
Baker and his troops also work with Iraqi officials and
provincial reconstruction teams in developing new businesses and in
building roads, bridges, schools and other needed
infrastructure.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also is active within his area
of operations, Baker said, noting the engineers have built a
vocational school offering courses in automotive mechanics and
sewing, a water-pumping station, and other facilities.
Baker cited employment as the top economic issue within his area
of operations. "The most pressing need, without a doubt, is
employment," he said. "Every little thing that we're doing will add
to that, but it's going to be a matter of time."
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