Baghdad's Haifa Still No Easy Street

[sabra]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/iraq/complete/la-fg-street2dec02,1,5991748.story?coll=la-iraq-complete&ctrack=1&cset=true

Baghdad's Haifa Still No Easy Street
Violence has ebbed on the road once known as Purple Heart Boulevard since Iraqi soldiers took over, but there is still cause for anxiety.

BAGHDAD — A year ago, Haifa Street was a name that inspired dread.

...

The area last year "was so thick with terrorists that it earned the nickname Purple Heart Boulevard," Bush said. "Then Iraqi forces took responsibility for this dangerous neighborhood — and attacks are now down."

...

Some residents said the newfound peace has been due less to the presence of Iraqi troops than to the absence of American soldiers to shoot at.


"America, no! We don't need them," said Moustafa Ibrahim, 17, drawing a finger across his throat.

[wookie294]

1. It proves that withdrawing US troops will reduce the violence

"Iraqi forces took responsibility for this dangerous neighborhood — and attacks are now down."

John Murtha is right!

[sabra]

2. this is exactly what Murtha is saying...

our soldiers are targets.

peace.