Dear Interested Reader,
Iraq funds expansion of the Fulbright Scholar Program. New center brings easier healthcare access. Suspected senior terrorist captured, among others. Iraqis ready to accept Inspectors General. "So far, so good," says Odierno. New Communication Center takes shape in Tuz.
In Afghanistan, Comm. Gen. Nicholson comments on Op Kanjar. 704th BSB relieves 201st BSB. Commandos lead helping hand in Gardez district. Supplies are provided for new health center in Herat.
Joanna
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July 5, 2009
U.S. Embassy Baghdad
Iraq Funding an Expansion of the Fulbright Scholar Program
Iraq's Dep. PM Dr. Barham Salih and US Amb. Christopher Hill sign the GoI’s agreement to expand the Fulbright Student Scholar Program, bringing the number of Iraqi scholarships in 2010 from 35 to 70.
(Photo: Media Office, Deputy PM)
At a ceremony conducted under the auspices of Iraqi Dep. PM Dr. Salih, and U.S. Amb. Hill, praised the GoI's commitment of $2.5 million to expand the Fulbright Student Scholar Program (FSSP) for Iraqi students.
The FSSP is the flagship int'l educational exchange program operated by the U.S. Govt. It provides outstanding foreign students opportunities for graduate-level studies in the U.S. in the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences. In his remarks, Dep. PM Salih spoke of the importance of forging enduring ties between American and Iraqi institutions, and how the exchange of young scholars benefits both countries. U.S. Amb. Hill praised the vision of Iraqi leaders in committing funds to expand the scholarship program, and reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. to support Iraq in the rebuilding of its education system.
Amb. Hill meets with General Odierno and GoI Interior Minister al-Bulani following a successful meeting.
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Blackanthem Military News
New center brings easier healthcare access
Dr. Ousman Younes, the Kurdistan Regional Govt Minister of Health, addresses guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Ruzh Hallat Primary Health Care Center in Humer Kwer. The project was managed by the USACE. (GRD photos by Mike Scheck)
Sulaymaniyah - For the 30,000 residents of the Humer Kwer quarter of Sulaymaniyah prov., access to healthcare just got a lot closer due to the completion of the Ruzh Hallat Primary Healthcare Center.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included Lucy Tamlyn, team leader of the U.S. Regional Reconstruction Team Kurdistan Region, and Col. Margaret Burcham, cmdr of the Gulf Region North District. "The Corps of Engrs is very pleased to coordinate a partnership to provide such a high-quality medical clinic that will last for many years," said Burcham.
The Center will provide medical services for 30,000 residents.
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American Forces Press Service
Forces Capture Suspected Senior Terrorist, Others in Iraq
WASHINGTON – In June 30 ops: The ERB and coalition advisors arrested a suspected senior leader in Taji, north of Baghdad. The leader is believed to be responsible for organizing sophisticated ops against CF in the area.
In Baghdad, the ERB, along with coalition advisors, arrested an alleged terrorist during an Iraqi-led op. The man is believed to be a member of a group responsible for murder and roadside-bomb attacks.
In Ninevah prov., a Mosul SWAT team, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspect believed to be a weapons instructor for a terrorist group operating in the prov. He also is suspected of detonating roadside bombs against CF and conducting other attacks against ISF.
In June 29 ops: The 4th ERB, with coalition advisors, arrested 5 suspected terrorists in Salahuddin prov. One of the arrested is suspected of leading a terrorist cell, and the other 4 are suspected of terrorism. The cell's responsible for making magnetic bombs against Iraqi civilians and ISF.
The 8th Regional Commando Bn, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist in Diyala province. The suspect is believed to be a member of a violent terrorist cell operating in the Balad Ruz area. The cell is responsible for murder and emplacing roadside bombs against Iraqi civilians and ISF in the prov.
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Special to American Forces Press Service
Iraqis Ready to Accept Modern Inspectors General
By Ian Graham
WASHINGTON – Iraqi officials are learning to accept modern inspectors general in their govt, and the coalition-backed investigative program is ready to stand on its own, a senior leader in that effort said.
Marine Corps Col. Robert Schroeder, inspector general (IG) special staff asst to the cmdr of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq (MNSTC-I), spoke with bloggers and online journalists during a June 30 “DoDLive” bloggers roundtable, about the support his office provides.
The command has dedicated IG advisors to Iraq’s ministries of Defense and Interior, Joint HQ Staff and Counter-terrorism Bureau, Schroeder said. “Each of the advisors and our Iraqi counterparts have experienced different successes and faced different, but similar, challenges,” he said.
Schroeder explained the development of a modern, professional IG capability in Iraq, with noted successes and challenges. Three factors determine an advisor’s success, he said. “One would be the degree with which the Iraqi counterpart strives to achieve professionalization of his office policies and practices,” Schroeder explained. “The second would be the degree to which the Iraqi IG has influence within the ministry. And the third would be … the extent of the integrity in the office place.”
Because of the immaturity of some Iraqi ministries, Schroeder said, certain processes aren’t reined in. Handling logistics for ISF, for example, is one of the primary areas of focus for security transition command advisors. In that same vein, procurement is a major issue IGs in Iraq are going to tackle.
Schroeder explained though, that command programs are in place that will help Iraqi ministries expand their capabilities for personnel and processes so IGs can perform their duties. Included are the Military Training Development Center in Iraq’s Defense Ministry, which trains civilians, Iraqi troops and joint HQ Iraqi officers. Schroeder said the school has course work “as broad and as wide as you can envision for a full-scale ministry.”
The Interior Ministry has 2 campuses of the Baghdad Police Academy, which trains both uniformed officers and civilian officials. A large problem is the lack of qualified professionals, Schroeder said. This is the 3rd generation of Iraqis who've been affected by the policies of Saddam Hussein’s Baath Party, Schroeder said, and that’s left a gap in credible and professional govt officials. “Since Saddam took power in 1958, there's been not just a brain-drain, but also a professional bureaucrat drain,” Schroeder said. “The success story is we’ve actually turned over the education and professionalization process to the Iraqis,” he added.
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American Forces Press Service
‘So Far, So Good’ in Iraq, Odierno Says
By Jim Garamone
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2009 – It’s “so far, so good” in Iraq since U.S. combat forces withdrew from the country’s cities and towns, the cmdr of MNF-I, said yesterday. “It’s going fine -- no problem at all,” Army Gen. Raymond Odierno said on the PBS program “Newshour With Jim Lehrer.” Iraqi troops and police are manning checkpoints and stations by themselves, the general added.
Baghdad and Kirkuk have seen bomb attacks, but ISF have been able to handle the situations, Odierno told news anchor Judy Woodruff.
The relationships between Iraqi and American forces at all levels are key to good communications, Odierno said, and if the Iraqis need help, a process is in place for U.S. forces to provide it. American advisory and coordination cells are still in the cities, the general said, but in small numbers “and they’re not related to combat formations, such as bdes and bns.”
American combat forces now are in the belts surrounding the cities. These belts often are the area where terrorists set up support bases for ops inside the cities. “We occupy those key areas to provide security and stability, which will make it more difficult for freedom of movement of the insurgent and extremist orgs,” Odierno explained.
“We see no signs of return to sectarian violence,” Odierno said. “We see all the right comments being made by the leadership.” Problems still exist with logistics and air support, and U.S. forces will continue to work with the IA and IP to make up those shortfalls and build those capabilities, Odierno said. "We think we need to be with them for a couple more years, as is outlined in the security agreement, and we think, as we continue to move forward, they will continue to improve, and they’ll be able to do what we think is necessary.”
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Multi-National Division – North Release
New Communication Center Takes Shape
Tuz contractors began work on the foundation of a new Joint Communication Center (JCC), June 22, which will be housed in the Mayor's Compound in the heart of Tuz.
Workspace improvements will lead to better functionality, according to Lt. Col. David Snodgrass, 3rd IBCT, who recently visited the Tuz JCC. “This place can serve as the single point of contact for all emergency services,” said Snodgrass, “and the ISF are ready, willing and able to take over.”
Maj. Aziz commands the Tuz JCC, and has been partnering with the plt for several weeks. The plt acts in an advisory capacity, training the Iraqi officers on the most current communications technology, and ensuring good data flow between all emergency services branches.
“Maj. Aziz continues to do amazing things,” said Lt. Col. Chris Stenman, cmdr of the STB. “His vision doesn’t stop with the new building – he looks beyond the troubles in Iraq to the peace there'll be tomorrow. Through his guidance and direction, we have made a great deal of progress. This is the way ahead.”
Yuldar Mahmoud, one of the contractors who has been working at the JCC for the past week, makes his living painting walls in the Tuz area. “I'll go anywhere to paint, but this is right around the corner from my home; I can walk here,” said Yuldar, whose family depends on his painting business as their sole source of income.
“This is a special place, because it’s the one place in Iraq where everyone is living and working together in peace,” said Snodgrass. “Whenever someone tells me Kurds, Arabs and Turcomen or Sunni and Shi’a can’t get along, I tell them, ‘Look at Tuz.’ We’ve got a lot of good partnerships – we need to continue on this path.”
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2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade RSS - Afghanistan
Statement on Op Khanjar From Larry Nicholson, Comm. Gen.
A convoy from 2nd Lt Armored Recon Bn, travels across Camp Leatherneck, June 28. The bn left Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan's base of ops to join other Marine forces in the Helmand River Valley.
Operation Khanjar -- Today, nearly 4,000 U.S. Marines and Sailors of TF Leatherneck, partnered with ANSF, and supported by TF Pegasus, the CAB of the Army's 82nd Abn Div, conducted a near-simultaneous heliborne and surface insert into the central and southern Helmand River valley. These efforts, combined with closely coordinated U.K. and Dutch ops to our immediate north, will dramatically change and positively impact the security of the Afghan people living in this long-held Taliban heartland.
Our focus is and will remain, the Afghan people. We have worked closely with local Helmand govt officials and many tribal and local leaders in the detailed planning of this major offensive. While the initial focus will be on security, the Helmand PRT working with GoA and CF will rapidly move to introduce the initial essential aspects of governance and economic development into these newly secured areas. These efforts will be focused upon providing immediate assistance to the population, and in setting the conditions for successful elections in August. Today's op is designed to separate and isolate the Taliban from the population who has long suffered the effects of their presence.
This large scale op is not without risk to the many thousands of brave and dedicated Afghan and coalition troops participating. This op is designed to boldly demonstrate to the Afghan people the determination and dedication of the govt and CF in ridding the area of Taliban insurgents who prey upon the people. What makes Op Kanjar different from those that have occurred before, is the massive size of the force introduced, the speed at which it will insert, and the fact that where we go, we will stay, and where we stay, we will hold, build, and work toward transition of all security responsibilities to Afghan forces.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
704th BSB relieves 201st BSB
By Army Pfc. Elizabeth Raney
Lt. Col. Robert A. Law (right) and Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Parks (left), cmdr
and command sgt maj, respectively, of the 704th BSB, uncase the bn colors.
NANGARHAR PROVINCE - The 704th BSB of Ft Carson, Colo., assumed responsibility of support ops for TF Mtn Warrior June 29, in a transfer of authority ceremony at FOB Fenty, relieving the 201st BSB of Fort Hood, Tx. The 704th BSB, or TF Blacksmith, is assigned to TF Mtn Warrior.
TF Blacksmith will face challenging terrain in eastern Afghanistan as they support other units in TF Mtn Warrior. "To the Blacksmiths: you are a disciplined, physically fit, and professional unit. You're more ready than any other BSB in our Army for this mission," said Col. Randy George, Cmdr, TF Mtn Warrior.
Soldiers from the 704th BSB, salute during the transfer of authority ceremony.
Lt. Col. Bradley White and Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Morris, cmdr and command sgt maj, respectfully, of the 201st BSB, case their bn colors.
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Blackanthem Military News
Commandos lend helping hand to Afghan people
By US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office
An ANA leader holds a key leader engagement with village elders during a combined forces humanitarian aid mission in Gardez district, Paktia prov., June 27.
KABUL - The combined forces handed out about a dozen backpacks, blankets, radios, children's items, female apparel and dental hygiene supplies to more than 300 villagers.
Local leaders also gathered with the combined forces and expressed their support for the GoA, and said many of their young men serve in the 203rd ANA Corps.
In Kabul prov., Afghan Commandos and their Coalition partners conducted a humanitarian assistance visit to distribute much-needed school supplies and clothing to children near Chahar Asiab district, June 29. The commandos led the coordination and distribution efforts while their coalition partners helped by providing some of the school supplies and clothing for more than 100 boys and girls. The people of the village welcomed the commandos and their coalition partners, and many children said that they hoped to be Commandos when they grew up.
The Afghan-led force conducted a key leader engagement with village elders following the distribution, to discuss the needs of the village and security in the area.
Afghan Commandos distribute humanitarian assistance items to villagers during a combined humanitarian aid mission with CF in Gardez district.
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Blackanthem Military News
Afghan Commandos provide supplies for new health center in Herat
By US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office
KABUL - Afghan Commandos of the 207th Corps, assisted by CF, visited a newly-reconstructed comprehensive health center in Shindand district, Herat province, June 28.
The Afghan commandos also distributed medicine and other supplies for the new facility in preparation for an upcoming opening celebration. The ribbon will be cut and the doors opened for business upon the arrival and installation of the final medical equipment.
The comprehensive health center is in the greater Azizabad village and replaces an older, poorly-equipped basic health clinic. The facility will dramatically increase the medical support available to the people of Azizabad, who have long been without proper medical care.
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