America's North Shore Journal

The small Diyala province village of Jiaffra was once a stronghold for insurgent groups, causing village residents to flee for their safety. After three years of displacement, 16 families returned home to a celebration marked with music and dancing, Aug. 15.

“Now since the area is much safer, we do more foot patrols,” said Capt. Brian Englund, a native of Rochester, N.Y., commander of HHC. “By walking the streets, we can make a good impression on the people here in New Baghdad.”

Aladai wishes that one day he will see the same traffic as the ’80s, but is very happy with the recent turn of events. He recognizes the coalition forces for the part they played in setting the improved conditions in motion.

“I have to thank [the] coalition,” Aladai said. “[They] helped provide safety, projects, make things happen…dreams real.”

Here are some photos from a recent patrol in Zambraniyah, Iraq.

In Jamilla Market, the economic hub of Sadr City, delivery trucks lined the busy streets while the interior was packed with shoppers and goods for sale on the newly paved streets and sidewalks, a sign of the revitalization of the area that has improved dramatically over the last year.

Rasheed and the shaykhs spoke of how the IA will be responsible for providing security for the bridge and of how improved security will benefit the Iraqis living on both sides of the Salty River. The IA intends to have a system where only those with badges will be authorized to cross over the bridge. Some who stand to benefit from the bridge’s reopening include those whose families are split by the Salty River, children going to school, and those requiring access to work on the other side of the river.

He believes the change in Sadr City is largely in part to the rise in confidence and professionalism displayed by the Iraqi Army who patrol the streets there.

“The IA have become very productive. They have a real sense of pride in what they’re doing,” Condreay said.

Photos: Iraqi children enjoy the sights at the Baghdad Zoo

The reason behind the huge influx in numbers of visitors this year is evident in the faces of the people as they feel safer now which makes them more willing to get out with their families and enjoy an evening at the park.

“We come to the park typically on holidays,” said Jameela, a Baghdad resident who was at the park with her children. “This time is much better than before [in terms of safety], better than last year or the year prior to that.”

“Now security is very good. It is safe and I think people are coming here because of that,” said Ali.