Rear Adm. Greg Smith Opening Remarks:

Good afternoon and Assalamu 'Alaikum.

I am here with you today to highlight some positive events from the past week in Iraq, and to share some disturbing signs that Iraq’s enemies are becoming increasingly desperate and their action are becoming increasingly appalling.

I would like to begin by expressing my condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this week’s attacks in Mosul … from the initial blast of an extremely large cache of explosives stored in a residence that resulted in the death and injury of so many innocent victims … to the suicide bombing that killed Brigadier Salih, the Provincial Director of Police, and members of his staff … our thoughts and prayers go out to them all.

We have witnessed the heroic efforts of the men and women of Mosul who responded to these tragic events.  We know how hard the Iraqi Security Forces, emergency personnel, city fathers and many others are working to re-establish security and return the confidence lost when such indiscriminate violence unfolds.   

Brigadier Salih was doing his part when he was murdered. He responded to the initial attack, to try and restore safety.  He was also on a mission of mercy, to comfort those affected and to strengthen the resolve of his officers continuing to protect their people.

Brigadier Salih died doing his duty.  We honor him and we pledge to his successors and comrades that we will remain steadfast partners.  We know first hand the vital work of the Iraqi Security Forces, and we are proud to assist them in every way we can.

We mentioned previously the development of the Iraqi police force with the graduation of 1,830 new police officers from Numaniyah at the National Police training center.  These new officers will enrich and expand the capabilities of their nation’s security forces.  They received individualized, specialized education.  Some will focus on anti-terrorism operations.  Some will be investigators… giving people a symbol of the rule of law and the priority its government has in defending all Iraqis from violence and crime. 

All of these officers have pledged their loyalty to a united democratic Iraq.  They have expressed their commitment to all of the people of Iraq.  And they have bravely chosen to stand with those who want a better tomorrow, instead of violence and anarchy offered by Iraq’s enemies.

Numaniyah is not the only location where Iraq is building new strength in the battle against lawlessness. There are recruits and officers currently undergoing training at the Habbaniyah Police Training Center in al Anbar. Since it opened in June of last year, it has graduated more than 2,000 trained police officers. Three specialized schools are building capabilities there: a Convoy Operations and Street Survivability Course; the Train-the-Trainer Course – which equips the Iraqi Police to educate and lead its own;

and, the Officers Transition Integration Program.

These capabilities matter, and are having positive effects in the lives of Iraq’s citizens. We continue to see examples of the increasingly professionalized Iraqi Security Forces stepping up to protect their people. We’re seeing these gains being made by soldiers, police officers, and groups like the Awakening and the Concerned Local Citizens.

Two days ago, near Karmah, a unit of the Iraqi Army discovered two critical stockpiles of high explosives. Together, these caches contained more than 2,550 pounds of home-made explosives – over a ton and a half of material created to kill and injure innocent Iraqis. The Iraqi Army, by being on the ground and among its people, saved an unknown number of lives with this find.

This is not an isolated incident. The same day, northeast of Ramadi, the Iraqi Army got a tip from a local citizen and was able to recover a stockpile containing plastic explosives, eleven rocket and mortar rounds, detonating cord, and ammunition. These finds happen every day and in every corner of Iraq. As Operation phantom Phoenix continues, we are seeing Iraq’s commitment to its security forces produce results.

We have also witnessed more tangible results of the investment Iraq is making in law enforcement, with the successful conduct of Ashura celebrations throughout Iraq.   Millions of people have expressed their religious obligations in a way that was unthinkable only a short time ago.  Mass pilgrimages and large gatherings have brought together those who want to honor their religion in peace – and with each other.

This is truly a picture that speaks a thousand words.  Taken from the air, throngs of people from Iraq and neighboring countries can be seen marching in peaceful observances in Karbala.

The success of Ashura was possible thanks to the commitment of this government and the armed forces it is building, and the police it is recruiting and training.

Not every event will be as successful as these commemorations of Ashura.

They cannot be, as long as Iraq is still beset by the foreign ideologies of al-Qaeda.  Instead of mutual respect and tolerance and unity, al-Qaeda Iraq seeks division and hatred.

Shiek Ahmed Abu Risha recently shared his perspective on al-Qaeda when he said, QUOTE  “When we attack AQI elements they flee, hide and come back with their new tactics.  The only tactic that is left for them now is to commit suicide…” UNQUOTE

Al-Qaeda Iraq is increasingly dependent on suicidal murder, perpetrated by imported killers and duped innocents.  Ninety percent of the suicide murders inflicted on the Iraqi people are committed by foreigners brought in by al-Qaeda to spread destruction.  This past week, you have already seen two children exploited for murderous suicide.

In Mosul and Tikrit, fifteen-year olds were exploited to deal death. We’re not sure whether one of these children even knew he was being used to deliver a bomb. These attacks were perpetrated at a funeral – a solemn religious ceremony – and at a school – a place that should be a safe haven for the young.

Children are not only humanity’s future; they are the most innocent and vulnerable among us.  We have a trust to care for them… to raise them up as good citizens.  Al-Qaeda is instead trying to brainwash children with hate and death.

We see a stark contrast between those who are building a strong, secure and peaceful society and those who seek to create a culture of violence, hate and despair.  Al-Qaeda Iraq cannot win a popular election.  They will find no safe haven in a civil society.  No one will choose to join or support them when there are options that instead promise hope and opportunity.

So AQI is reduced to indoctrinating Iraq’s most innocent and vulnerable – the youth.

Iraq’s democratic and elected government is building schools, training engineers and police officers and doctors.  Iraq’s democratic elected government is creating avenues for peace and security.

Al-Qaeda Iraq is sending 15-year olds on suicide missions to spread death and hopelessness.

It does not have to be this way.  The Iraqi people are building a society based on cooperation and rule of law.  That rule includes rehabilitation and reconciliation for those who make mistakes.  Under the previous regime, civil society was stood on its head.  Since the Iraqi people were liberated from those perversions, it has taken time to build up lasting institutions and new ways of living together.  Some have gone astray and with help can return to society as productive members.

On Thursday, many who had failed to live up to the rule of law were given a new chance.  In a ceremony at a coalition detention facility in Baghdad, 100 men … Sunni and Shi’a … were reintegrated back into their neighborhoods.

After passing through a rigorous review board examination, determinations were made that these Iraqis were ready to become contributing citizens.  Each of their cases was individually considered.  Each of them made a pledge before an Iraqi judge … swearing to live peacefully from that day forward.

They go out to maintain that pledge equipped with new tools.  All of these men had the opportunity to further their education while they were detained.  This reintegration program offered religious counseling, vocational training and fundamental education classes.

We congratulate these men, their families, and the nation of Iraq as they craft a brighter future.  In the words of Dr. Nihad al-Jibouri who spoke at the release ceremony, “I hope you are thinking positively to participate in rebuilding the country, because the Iraqi society will welcome you.”

These men are not alone.  In January, 785 other detainees were also reintegrated into their communities.  Last year, 8,952 Iraqi citizens passed through the screening and review process and rejoined society.

Today, I have discussed the nature of the enemy facing the Iraqi people; hopeful signs that the people are increasing their ability to fight this enemy; and the way the people are growing the ranks of those who want a better tomorrow.

With that, I’d be happy to take your questions.