On Wed, 23 Feb 2005 22:44:38 GMT, "Jim," wrote:

Some bull**** which was snipped and replaced with:


Iraqi brigade takes control of area, future

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ, COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER, BAGHDAD, Iraq

KHADAMIYA, Iraq -- Iraqi and Coalition Forces made history Feb. 21 when the 40th
Iraqi National Guard Brigade officially assumed control of its area of
operation.

This is the first ING brigade to stand alone and have direct control over an
area of operation.

Brig. Gen. Jaleel Khalaf Shwail, 40th Brigade commander, said he is proud to
represent his country and his more than 2,800 Soldiers.

“This is a historical event in the history of Iraq,” he said. “It is our time to
take the liberty and democracy (Coalition Forces) gave to us on a golden plate.”

Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, 1st Cavalry Division commander, attended the ceremony
and applauded the strides the ING made over the past year.

“This is just the beginning,” Chiarelli said. “No one can doubt your high level
of readiness. No one can doubt your resolve. No one can doubt your patriotism.
This is just the beginning.”

He encouraged the Soldiers of the 40th ING to be responsible for their areas of
operation as the first brigade to assume their own sector.

“You are the pioneers of a nation that is free at last,” he said. “Thank you for
the privilege of working with such extraordinary patriots.”

The ceremony was shadowed by clouds as well as mourning over sacrifices made by
ING soldiers during the democratic elections. Following the transfer of
authority, Chiarelli presented a plaque to Jaleel in memory of those men who
gave their lives Jan. 31 to ensure that all Iraqi’s were free to cast their vote
in the first democratic election. Fourteen members of combined security forces,
including ING Soldiers and Iraqi Police, were killed trying to protect their
people.

“We dedicate this plaque to the martyrs, your brothers in arms,” he said. “They
are heroes whose great work will not be forgotten.”

Khalaf said post election Iraq is full of hope for the future and faith in his
Soldiers and Coalition Forces

“After the elections, Iraqi people started gaining trust back in the American
forces,” he said. The elections “gave the image that the ING could provide
security for Iraq.”

Khalaf praised Coalition Forces for their assistance in liberating Iraq and
training ING Soldiers. He said the training they received helped them take this
next big step towards Iraqi autonomy.

For months, a group of Soldiers of the 256th Brigade Combat Team, also known as
Task Force Bengal, has been training Soldiers of the 40th Infantry Brigade of
the Iraqi National Guard on combat and staff operations.

“Americans trained us very well,” Khalaf said. “When they give us a direct
responsibility, it means we are at a level that we can control ourselves.”

The new brigade’s area of operations covers numerous spots in Baghdad, including
Haifa Street, Ahdamiyah, Sheikh Malouf and Al Shaab. Coalition Forces will
continue to advise the brigade, but the areas will be under complete Iraqi
control.

Fouad Alhilaly, a doctor with the 40th ING, said the ING has its work cut out
for it, but is fully capable of handling the area. If they can handle Baghdad,
they can handle Iraq.

“Baghdad is the cornerstone of Iraq,” he said. “If we can control Baghdad, we
will have 70 percent of the security of Iraq handled.”

Khalaf vowed he would not rest until his nation is safe from terrorists.

“Every single second before I die I will use to finish them,” he said. “All I
wish is to give the Iraqi people rest (and the means to) enjoy freedom. When I
feel Iraq gets to that level, I accomplished my mission and I will rest.”

The ING brigade has approximately 2,300 Soldiers and will patrol an area that is
about 16 square kilometers in size.
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Good news, huh JImcomma?

John H

On the 'PocoLoco' out of Deale, MD,
on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!

"Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it."
Rene Descartes