Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080510-06
May 10, 2008

1st BSTB connects local village with provincial capitol (Al Habush)

By 1st Lt. Wesley Tompkins
HHC, 1st BCT, 82nd Airborne Division
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

AL HABUSH, Iraq – The 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division
celebrated the opening of a critical road for villagers recently.

The road, which is on land donated by local Tribal Leader Sheikh Ameen Abdul Ajeel al Tuwaili, was created to help the villagers suffering from poor transportation capabilities.

According to the 1st BSTB, the road is critically important to the villages of al-Habush and al-Ajeel because it connects them to the provincial capital of an-Nasariyah. The road provides an essential passage for the villages because the previously existing dirt trail would become impassable during the rainy season, making access to the medical clinic and schools in the capital very difficult.

After officially opening the new road, leaders in 1st BSTB met with Ur District Manager Resan Muqdad, Sheikh Ameen Abdul Ajeel al Tuwaili and several local leaders after a large feast for lunch.

The leader engagement focused on the development of a District Reconstruction Strategy and prioritization of district development efforts. The Civil Military Operations team has partnered with the Dhi Qar Provincial Reconstruction Team in working with city councils, district managers and provincial leadership to develop a District Reconstruction Strategy for each district, and be able to nest them under the Dhi Qar Provincial Development Strategy. This concept is designed to help provide continuity of the reconstruction efforts in the area ensuring a unity of effort for future development and progress throughout the province.

During the meeting, the Civil Military Operations team stressed the need for the sheikh and other leaders to coordinate with the district in order to prioritize projects and develop strategies to accomplish them. Razan Muqdad expressed deep appreciation for the Coalition force’s help in the al-Habush road project.

“With the election in a few months we are in need of help for future projects to be established now in order to carry us through the election,” he said.

A follow-up meeting was established with the civil military operations team and the local leaders to discuss potential future projects with the district leaders. The completion of the road highlighted the strengthening partnership between Coalition forces, the tribal leadership and the Ur District Government.

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