Riley brigade awaits improved Iraq

[unhappycamper]

'You like to think the strategy worked'
Fort Riley 2nd Brigade going back to changed Iraq


Riley brigade awaits improved Iraq
By John Milburn - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Aug 30, 2008 7:15:12 EDT

FORT RILEY, Kan. — When a Fort Riley brigade heads to Iraq at the end of next month, its soldiers and officers anticipate finding conditions much different from when many were there in previous deployments.

Lt. Col. Christopher Beckert, the 2nd Brigade’s deputy commanding officer, said Thursday that while Iraq is still dangerous, reports are that life is beginning to return to some sense of normalcy. Shops are opening in Baghdad, services are being restored and residents who fled the violence are migrating home.

Beckert said the brigade is hearing reports from the units it is replacing that progress in Baghdad is becoming increasingly noticeable.

“Progress has started to pick up the pace as the Iraqis are getting more control of areas and giving more responsibility to the police,” he said. “I hope that as we go along in the next year that we cede more control to the Iraqis.

“That’s exciting. That’s what the international community wants to see happen.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/08/ap_Riley_IraqRedux_082808/%2e