New outpost changing tactics in Narwan

[unhappycamper]

Iraqis hope presence of U.S. troops will be catalyst for development of city services


New outpost changing tactics in Narwan
By Erik Slavin, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, November 17, 2007


NARWAN, Iraq — Ali Thavit’s bakery is doing a lot more business lately.

As construction progressed across the street at Combat Outpost Salie, soldiers began stopping at his store for his fresh-made bread.

Like other older Iraqis doing business in Narwan, Thavit said he supported the U.S. presence that officially moved in Thursday.

“It’s good for the people and it’s good for peace,” Thavit said.

Thavit’s conversation then turned to the same thing that every Iraqi at the nearby open market later mentioned: The city needs more water, electricity, medicine, school supplies and jobs.

Whether the U.S. can deliver on those items will dictate how welcome their presence will be, especially to younger Iraqis who expressed skepticism about the soldiers’ presence.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50322