MND-B Commander: Peace in Iraq Possible

Feb 16, 2007
BY Spc. L.B. Edgar
http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/02/16/1871-mnd-b-commander-peace-in-iraq-possible

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (Army News Service, Feb. 16, 2007) - The goal of coalition forces new security strategy is to clear, control and retain Baghdad's neighborhoods, said the Multi-National Division - Baghdad commanding general during a press conference here Feb. 16.
Maj. Gen. Joseph Fil Jr. outlined the security strategy for his division in a live satellite press conference between Baghdad and reporters in the Pentagon press briefing room.
The security plan includes an increase in Iraqi and coalition forces in Iraq's capital, a push to rid the city of violent extremists and the creation of joint security stations throughout Baghdad, Fil said.
Once the streets are cleared of extremist elements, the coalition and Iraqi security forces will assert control of each neighborhood and move further toward transition, he said.
"After an area is cleared, we move into what we call 'control operations.' Together, with our Iraqi counterparts, we will maintain a fulltime presence on the streets. We'll do this by building and manning joint security stations," said Fil, who assumed responsibility for MND-B three months ago. "The effort to establish these joint security stations is well underway."
As Iraqi security forces assume control of the day-to-day operations of Baghdad's joint security stations, coalition forces will move out of its neighborhoods, but still respond to requests for assistance from Iraqi security forces if needed, he said.
In addition to the joint security stations, Fil said the new strategy will also have an economic component to spark the Iraqi economy.
"During these three phases, efforts will be ongoing to stimulate local economies by creating employment opportunities, initiating reconstruction projects and improving the infrastructure," he explained. "These efforts will be spearheaded by Neighborhood Advisory Councils, District Advisory Councils and the government of Iraq."
Though optimistic the plan will succeed in pacifying Baghdad, he did acknowledge it will take time for the new strategy to bear fruit.
"It's important to remember that all of this will take time, and the mission is going to be tough. It will take time for additional forces to flow in. It will take time for these forces to gain an understanding of their areas and to establish relationships with local leaders and the citizens," Fil said. "We are here for the duration. The Iraqi people have not given up their hope for a prosperous and peaceful Iraq, and we should not give up on them."
The most critical factor of the plan hinges on the Iraqis taking responsibility for their own security, Fil said.
"Iraqis are moving forward. I see it firsthand everyday, and I see the commitment of our Soldiers to finish the mission we started here," he said. "Ultimately, the Iraqis have to want to make this work as much, if not more, than we do."
Fil pointed to some of the Iraqi success stories.
"The province of Al Najaf was turned over to Iraqi control, and the plan to bring security to Baghdad was revised significantly, most notably with the standing up of the Baghdad Operational Command and the influx of thousands more Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers to the effort here," he said.
Fil also called on Americans to continue supporting the troops already in Iraq and those on the way there.
"Our Soldiers remain committed to this mission - to help Iraqis realize their full potential. Our nation has made a huge commitment in terms of resources, but more importantly by sending its sons and daughters, husbands and wives here to assist, and fight as necessary," he said. "I'm extremely proud, as you all should be, of the dedication, service and sacrifice of our nation's finest. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will be forever indebted to them and never forget their devotion to duty."
Fil reminded Americans of the tough road ahead toward success in Iraq, but said the price was worth the cost.
"It's important that we stay the course, to defeat those here with a radical ideology, who would take away our freedoms; freedoms that have been earned at a high cost by those who have gone so nobly before us," he said. "I have no doubt the radical groups we are facing here, left to their own devices, would spread their barbaric methods far beyond the borders of Iraq. We all see their brutality firsthand everyday."
Following his opening remarks, the general took questions from the Pentagon press corps. He told reporters progress in reducing casualties of car bombs, also known as vehicle-borne IEDS, was being made.
He also said there has been a significant reduction in the number and effectiveness of attacks on coalition forces since the troop escalation and current operations began.
One of the challenges Fil said the coalition must overcome is Jaish Al Mahdi, also known as the Mahdi Army, led by radical cleric Muqtada Al Sadr, who reportedly left Iraq once the operations to secure Baghdad began.
"We're watching the same reports you are, wondering why he would not be with his people at this, I think, critical time," the general noted. "We'll have to leave that up to his people to determine what that means to their commitment to him and his leadership."
In closing, Fil said the security of Baghdad and success of Iraq depends on the continued effort of coalition forces to secure the Iraqi capital and an increased role for Iraqi security forces.
"I'd like to say that while there certainly are challenges, this plan can work, Iraq can have peace," he said. "It will work if our country remains dedicated to this mission and Iraqis place their nation before the personal interests that have divided them."