Sunday, November 13

This Week in Iraq

Busy week for me here, so I haven't had as much time to do research as I'd like. That seems to be turning into a tradition here, but I'll do my best.

We've seen construction start on a number of water and sanitation projects in Iraq this week: a new sewer in Baghdad (11/8), some water compact units in Baghdad (11/11), and a new water transmission main in Fallujah (11/13). Work also completed on a water network project in Baghdad (11/10), and a new electricity network in Baghdad (11/9).

Many of these projects are now being done with local labor, which improves the economy and raises employment rates. The picture to the left shows Iraqi residents repairing their own electric lines, work that used to be done by US contractors. There's a good article about this here. The CENTCOM newsletter also listed a bunch of other signs of progress this week, but I can't provide any more detail on these:
  • Fifty-eight teachers, supervisors, and administrators attend training to improve teaching methods.
  • The Model Schools training program shows continued success in preparing secondary school teachers.
  • Iraq Transition Initiative (ITI) grant provides for the rehabilitation of a local road, employing 60 local residents.
  • ITI helps expand a non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on promoting gender equality and combating the physical abuse of women.
  • A community center in northern Iraq, established to assist returning refugees, receives help in facilitating a training series.
  • Construction continues on the library and student center for a university in the Wassit governorate.
  • Universities discuss Centers for Excellence (CFE) to increase cross cultural understanding.
  • Reconstruction of primary school in Qadissiyah completed.
  • Work continues on Al-Sadder Stadium.
  • Internet center in Wassit benefits Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
I'm hearing increasing reports of local support for terrorists diminishing within Iraq, and even cases of factional fighting between terrorist groups. Last year, after the elections, the terrorists suffered from a loss of support. Now, with elections approaching again, it appears they will suffer even more as Sunnis seem ready to vote in large numbers.

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