Iraqi Citizens Making a Difference in Surge

From the Full Report at Centcom:

""Cooperation by citizens and their volunteer security roles is what will turn the tide in securing Iraq," said the Austin native. "We have the largest reconciliation and volunteer movement in Multi-National Division-Baghdad. We fully support Iraqis taking an active role in securing their neighborhoods, towns and villages to stop the violence which hinders the government's delivery of essential services and an environment that enables small business opportunities and growth."

Local Iraqis have grown tired of the al-Qaeda stranglehold and they are taking back their communities and their lives, according to Andrysiak.

"Their efforts, along with that of the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, may prove to be the turning point," he added."

The Grizzly Mama is also reporting on Operation Phantom Thunder and Skye at Ancora Imparo is following up on how General Petraeus and his strategy can succeed in Iraq.

What the Iraqi National Government cannot accomplish, local Iraqis are accomplishing: Unity against terrorism and violence. The key to our success on the ground is having Iraqis help to build communities that can coexist and work together for security. This appears to be happening now, one piece at a time.

General Petraeus understands this and so do the Iraqis, little by little.