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America's North Shore Journal » Entries tagged with "Iraqi economic reconstruction"

Market Street Reopens in Siniyah

July 28th, 2008 | Comments Off

For more than a year, the former Ba’ath Party stronghold of Siniyah was without its main thoroughfare for trade and commerce, but that all changed as the city’s Mayor officially opened Market Street during a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 26. More than 40 shops and small businesses were forced to close due to the lack of business when the restriction of the road was announced in July of 2007. The Joint Security Station located near the market area was vulnerable to vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, causing Iraqi Security and Coalition forces to take measures ensuring the safety of the forces housed there. Market Street was also closed due to the high levels of violence and the significant number of attacks the area was experiencing. “Shop owners were anxious to reopen their shops,” said Capt. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Micro-grants Building Iraqi Economy

July 25th, 2008 | Comments Off

A large percentage of new businesses in the U.S. fail within the first year. Starting a business in Iraq is no different, if not harder, but with the help of Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, four Iraqi businessmen have hopes of beating the odds. Senior leaders of the company met with the businessmen, a carpenter, a pharmacist, a car painter and a mechanic, July 7, at Gnather Iraqi police station and handed them each a micro-grant to help jump start their businesses. The grants were available as part of the Micro-grant Program, started by RCT-1 in an effort to improve the economy in its area of operations by supporting small business owners. Approximately $10,000 was distributed among the four businessmen, who were chosen based … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Programs Boost Iraqi Payrolls, Businesses

July 17th, 2008 | Comments Off

Two U.S.-military sponsored economic reconstruction programs are helping to put thousands of Iraqi citizens into productive jobs while boosting the country’s business activity, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today. In March 2007, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, directed his officers to find ways to provide jobs and increased opportunities for economic expansion, entrepreneurship and skills training for the people of Iraq, recalled Army Maj. Gen. Timothy McHale, director of personnel, logistics and resources for Multinational Force Iraq. The successful Iraqi First LOGCAP and Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone programs are direct results of Petraeus’ directive, McHale said. “Both of these programs are focused on contributing to Iraq’s economic progress and security,” McHale pointed out. The Iraqi First LOGCAP program provides a conduit for Iraqi businesses to sell … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror