Security progress in Basra is “overwhelming” and Iraq’s second-largest city could be “another Dubai in the coming decade,” the commander of Multi-National Division - Southeast said June 14, referring to the bustling international business hub.To even make such a comment a year ago would have been grounds to call your sanity into question as the Mahdi Army and Iranian influence threatened to tear the city apart in sectarian violence. However, the combined efforts of the US and Iraqi Army have wrested control and brought tremendous optimism to the city, enabling the general to make these comments.
British Army Maj. Gen. Barney White-Spunner told Pentagon reporters via teleconference from Baghdad that Operation Charge of the Knights - ordered by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in March - has “well and truly” turned the tide in the city.
Before the operation, militias controlled large parts of the city. Militia leaders, many under control of Iran, intimidated the populace and turned the city into a crime empire.
Basra is key to Iraq’s success, with oil fields, the port of Umm Qasr and the international airport being economic engines for the region, White-Spunner said.
Iraqi air force trains on newly acquired aircraft. This is a tremendously important development. Right now, even though the Iraqi government and Iraqi army are doing far better than just a year ago, they still depend on US airpower to back up those Iraqi army units operating around the country against the remaining pockets of insurgents and terrorists.
Getting the Iraqi Air Force up to speed would greatly reduce the reliance on the US Air Force and allow the US Air Force to task on other missions in the region and around the world.
This doesn't mean that Iraq is safe; threats do remain, and US forces continue to take some casualties, including a Marine killed in Anbar and a suicide bomber killed 35 police recruits. I suspect that the death of this Marine will get more coverage than the other more positive reports.
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