Good News in Iraq: Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Keeping Sadr Streets Safe

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Keeping Sadr Streets Safe

Travelling through the streets and alleys of Sadr City, U.S. troops search for signs of terrorist groups, and get acquainted with the neighborhoods.

SADR CITY, Iraq, Aug. 24, 2005 – U.S. and Iraqi Army soldiers now patrol Sadr City, and the result is safer streets in what was once a hotly-contested area.

"The people we talk to in the neighborhood have been pretty helpful and want things to get better in Sadr," said U.S. Army Sgt. Lee Minyard. "They're starting to realize we're here to help them."

"We tell people that it's up to them to make a difference in their communities," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Brisley, a section leader. "They're so used to relying on one leader to make all the decisions, but they’re gradually taking the initiative."

Along Sadr's dusty streets, Brisley remarked that the streets had rivers of sewage running through them six months ago.

"People see the improvements, and it makes them happier to see us (now) than they were when we (first) arrived in Iraq," said Brisley.

It takes time to build something worthwhile...but democracy and security in Iraq is not an impossible dream.

Now, more than ever, we have to show our commitment to this goal.

If we let democracy collapse, we will just be back in another ten years. We need to work with the Iraqi people to do it now and do it right.