Rebuilding Iraq- A Review of DefendAmerica News

Defend America is a good source of news, links, personal stories, pictures and ways you can help fight the War On Terrorism. DefendAmerica was established by the US Department of Defense to offer news about the War on Terrorism. The website is pretty comprehensive, and worth a visit. For this article, I will review the Iraqi Reconstruction page on DefendAmerica News.

The Iraqi Reconstruction page covers news from March 2004-May 2006. It is divided into two categories: Rebuilding Iraq and Iraqis Take the Lead. There is also a link to resources. The page is easy to navigate--the stories are listed up front, with a separate link for each story. The headers are divided by month and year. Just a quick scroll down the page shows the tremendous amount of work Coalition troops and Iraqi allies have put into rebuilding Iraq, and their successes in creating a more stable, peaceful Iraq. Many of the stories are reported from actual soldiers so you get an up close, and very personal view with information from the front.

There is alot to read on this page but I am posting links to a few stories so you get a general idea of what you will find here:



Marine Corps News -> Iraqi soldiers keep criminals out of former smuggler’s town
Submitted By: 1st Marine Division

May 11, 2006: Ar Rutbah is an Iraqi city settled amidst the desert of the Al Anbar province. Ar Rutbah has always been known as a "smuggler's city" overrun with crime, and used as a base by insurgents. Ar Rutbah is building a new reputation thanks to the joint efforts of the Coalition and Iraqi soldiers who are working hard to stabilize Ar Ruthbah with increased patrols, security check points, and citizen cooperation to combat crime. For the first time in years, the citizens of Ar Rutbah feel real progress has been made in combating smuggling and making the city safer. Also includes stories of other positive achievements by Iraqi soldiers.



April 13, 2006, Submitted by: 1st Marine Division; story by Cpl. Antonio Rosas.
Marine Corps News -> Iraqi soldier proud to patrol 'mean streets' from childhood

This story is about an Iraqi man named "Hadi" (an alias) who was forced to become a soldier for Saddam's regime, while still a child. Hadi has turned his painful childhood into a positive purpose--he is now working alongside Coalition troops in his hometown of Sad'ah to watch for insurgent activity. This article also discusses ways in which the Iraqi Army is gaining the confidence and respect of the Iraqi people.



January 30, 2005. Submitted by: Entisaar, Gulf Region Southern District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/recon013005.html

In Basra, Iraq a seminar was held for Iraqi businesswomen, The seminar was hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region South (GRS), the Project and Contracting Office (PCO), and Parsons, Inc. The seminar included resources for Iraqi businesswomen to network with other businesses including contracts with US companies, included information on how to successfully manage a business, and included discussions about security concerns.



http://www.defendamerica.mil/articles/may2004/a051104b.html
Italians Renovate School Near An Nasiriyah

May 11, 2004: The 6th Italian Airforce rebuilt a school in Al Zahiira, a village with a population of about 3,000. The school includes a roof so classes can be held during inclement weather, eight classrooms, a playground and modern conveinances. The villagers of Al Zahira were very thankful for the school, and the opportunity it presents for their children. After an opening ceremony for the school was conducted, the 6th Italian Air Force donated humanitarian goods to the villagers that included school supplies, clothing, and food. The humanitarian goods donated to Al Zahiira were gathered from a civillian effort in the Italian city of Catania then transported to Iraq by an Italian military flight. In addition, the 11th Brigade Italian special infantry donated 300 school bags to the children. Other Italian relief efforts continued in the Dhi Gar province throughout May 2004.


Again--the Rebuilding Iraq page offers much more than I cover here. I encourage you to take a look, and to take a minute to thank the US, Coalition and Iraqi soldiers ()-:)

Short Update from Lynn

Hello Friends-

I am sorry I have not update this page in some time. Believe me, it is not by choice. Some very tough issues have faced my family recently and I regret that I have not been able to continue the work on this page as often as I would have liked. I will do my best to continue to report stories. I appreciate your understanding.

Blessings~ Lynn


A Poem I Wrote (Doesn't Have a Name Yet):

I never have to fear because
I am cradled in Your hands
Your voice is firm
yet I hear the softest whisper--
You are my creation, I adore you
Cradled in Your hands,
just as I was on the day of my creation
the smallest spark of life
protected, loved.

I never have to be alone
Your arm is draped over my shoulder
We walk side by side
Sharing an exciting journey called life
There is no time past, present, or future
that is the wrong time
every aspect of the Universe is
a manifestation of Your love, Your power
wonderfully made.

In the midst of sorrow, crisis
I only need to climb
into Your great, big hands
to be safe
When I am strong enough
to walk on my own
my shadow will be lighted by Your presence
For You are my Lord,
there has never been a day that we have been apart.


Lynn Mari, ©2006