Articles Comments

America's North Shore Journal » Entries tagged with "Balad"

Mass Observance in Samarra and Balad

July 8th, 2008 | Comments Off

For the first time since 2003, Shi’a Muslims participated in a mass pilgrimage to the holy city of Samarra July 7. A mass celebration was held in honor of the former Shi’a Supreme Islamic Iraqi leader, Imam Sayyid Baqir al-Sadr. Thousands made the pilgrimage to Samarra to show their respect for the anniversary of Baqir’s death on this date 28 years ago. Baqir could trace his ancestry back to the Holy Prophet Muhammad through the Seventh Imam, Imam Musa al-Kadhim. He had many followers in Iraq prior to his brutal death in 1980. The day was full of celebration and remembrance and demonstrated that security has improved to a level that an event such as this could be held in the once precarious city of Samarra. Iraqi Security Forces provided protection along the route … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Reconciliation in Salah ad Din

July 3rd, 2008 | Comments Off

Reconciliation efforts have recently broadened in the Salah ad Din Province, with the city of ad Dawr seeing 58 former fighters pledge their allegiance to the Government of Iraq June 30. Seeking to clear their names, the men initiated the reconciliation process. Taking advantage of security gains in the area, GoI leaders, Iraqi Security Forces and Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, see reconciliation as the next phase of development for the province. “Reconciliation is the logical next step in our area,” said Maj. Tim Povich, executive officer, 1st Special Troops Battalion. “With the recent security improvements in both Ad Dawr and Tikrit, reconciliation, or Musalaha as the Iraqis call it, will provide additional momentum to keep the situation improving in both areas.” Povich, whose battalion falls under the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Soldiers increase protection at Balad mosque

February 27th, 2008 | Comments Off

WOW! Here’s a story I did not expect to see. MNF-I At the request of the Imam of the Balad Shrine Mosque, soldiers of 2nd platoon, 164th Military Police Company, 728th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade and Multi National Division – North visited the mosque Feb. 24 to increase force protection measures. The idea is to prevent future attacks on the mosque. The soldiers were the first Coalition forces to visit the mosque. Following eight months of working with the Imam and other local religious leaders, 2nd platoon has developed a good working relationship with the community’s religious leaders and is frequently asked to provide additional security assistance during events near the shrine, according to Capt. Matthew Norris, commander of the 164th MP Co. Soldiers, Iraqi police and National police in … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror