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Election success a credit to Iraqi soliders, Diyala citizens

Mar-16-2010 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

The News Tribune carried a report on the recent elections written by Col. David Funk, commander of the 3/2 SBCT.

Make no mistake. The security for this election was an ISF show. Our brigade was an interested observer, providing aerial coverage and bomb disposal support. We also assisted with training and rehearsals before the big event.

But out on the ground where it mattered most, where citizens were braving lengthy walks to polling sites, where the enemy did his best to threaten and intimidate, the ISF were the only uniformed personnel in sight.

They reacted magnificently. Throughout the entire week preceding the election, each explosion was an opportunity for the ISF to either shrink from their duty or to embrace it. They did the latter. Their quick and brave responses had a palpable effect on the citizens here, solidifying their new-found reputation as dedicated, professional patriots.

The elections succeeded for another reason. No amount of security would have resulted in success unless the citizens of Diyala wanted – indeed demanded – to stake a claim in their future. With more than 60 percent of eligible Diyalans participating in the electoral process, it is clear they have staked this claim.


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