A Soldier's Perspective

Continuing Signs of Progress

I originally called this post "Signs of Progress" but then I realized that there have signs of progress for a long time and changed it to the current title.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Scott, commanding general of Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan, provided an update on current operations and economic development in Iraq.

According to Fox, some of the signs of progress included a significant reduction in sectarian murders, increases in the number of weapon stockpiles seized and actionable tips provided by local citizens.

Wait a minute, I thought the surge wasn't working?

"This war is lost, and that the surge is not accomplishing anything, as indicated by the extreme violence in Iraq yesterday."

For those with short attention spans like mine, that was House Majority Leader Harry Reid. Maybe Sen. Reid should go over there and talk to Iraqis himself.

To further develop the Iraqi economy, JCC-I/A has made a concerted effort to increase U.S. contracting with Iraqi companies.

“We call it the ‘Iraqi First Program,’” said Scott. “This program promotes economic development, entrepreneurship and improving of individual skills to better the lives of ordinary Iraqis and their families.”

While the Iraqi First Program is currently in its beginning stages, Scott was encouraged with the shift in thinking about reconstruction contracting in Iraq.

“When I meet with Iraqi businessmen, they tell great stories of hope and determination,” Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Scott said. “These men risk everything to contribute to the country they love and to a purpose they believe in.”