Posted by
Saint Michael on Monday, February 26, 2007 9:50:06 PM
Congressional Delegation Discusses Brigade’s Mission, Progress in Iraq During Taji Visit
Story by Sgt. Jon Cupp
...Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, asked the brigade leaders about successes in improving essential services in the area.
One example cited was the Husayniyah power plant.
“A company out of Texas is helping us to grow the capabilities in the power plant,” answered Lt. Col. Ken Kamper, commander, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment. “We’re making progress and there’s a decent system in place.”
Rep. Steve Rothman, D-N.J., voiced concerns about the sectarian violence in areas surrounding Taji, and whether any of the attacks on U.S. troops were a result of the people being unhappy with a lack of essential services.
“We believe their motivation is something different. There are various extremist groups. They aren’t attacking us because of a lack of essential services,” answered Funk. “It’s more of a grab for power by sectarian groups (of various factions) who are trying to expand their position.”
Funk added that the Iraqi people living in the region are making a genuine effort to end the violence. He cited an instance where a Shia sheik brought together both Shia and Sunnis to meet because they were tired of violence in their village. He also said that he does not believe that most Iraqis hold a sectarian view.
“That’s the kind of thing that’s starting to happen in our zone,” said Funk, noting the Sunni and Shia efforts to stop sectarian violence in his area of operation.
“The Iraqis have more of a national view, and they don’t want the influences of (foreign fighters from) Syria or Iran,” he told the delegation. “I think they’re tired and they want the violence to end.”
To illustrate the point, Funk noted the rise in the number of tips that ISF and Ironhorse Soldiers are receiving from concerned citizens, which lead to the capture of insurgents.
Near the end of the briefing, Kaptur asked the brigade senior leaders if they were concerned about polls that sometimes have a negative slant against U.S. military efforts in Iraq.
“I’m not really concerned with polls. When you go out and meet with the Iraqi people, they tell us they feel safe when we’re there and they’re happy to see us,” Funk said. “Sometimes it can bring tears to your eyes, especially when you look in the faces of the children. When you look in their eyes, you see hope and you know you’re making a difference.”...