SAMARRA - During a recent visit to the ancient city of Samarra, Lt. Gen. Jacoby walked along the city's streets with the 4th IBCT, 1st ID cmdr, Col. Henry Arnold, III, and the 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt cmdr, Lt. Col. Eric Timmerman. As they made their way to the rooftop of a hotel across from the Golden Mosque, which is currently being rebuilt and restored to its original form, one couldn't help but notice the evident change that has taken place in a city that was nearly destroyed by war.
Despite the attacks on this prominent landmark and sacred mosque, the citizens of Samarra have made significant progress to restore peace. In the past 3 years, violence has significantly decreased as ISF have taken the lead to provide security of the city. According to Col. Arnold during a recent interview with the NY Times, the improvements that have been made in the city are a result of the citizens rejecting terrorists, and the professionalism of the ISF.
There's a feeling of peace and security now, as markets are open and children are playing in the streets. "The citizens are calling in reports," he said during the interview. "The people have turned against violent extremists. "I walk around in ACU's and a soft cap - no body armor, no helmet. I walk to the mosque, something I wouldn't have been able to do in 2006."
There are future plans being made for Samarra, such as removing the protective t-walls surrounding the mosque, installing a decorative gate that can be opened and closed to pedestrians as security dictates, and installing security cameras.
Along the streets, Iraqi civilians stood outside their shops or paused long enough to gesture or say "hello" to the cmdrs as they moved toward their destination.
