THE TENSION: Commander Sees Real Progress in Iraq Town

Maj. Gen. Rich Lynch, 3rd Infantry Division commander, (center) walks the streets of Hawr Rajab, Iraq, with Col. Terry Ferrell (far right), commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Sheik Ali (to Lynch's left) and Sheik Mahir (to Lynch's right), Nov. 7, 2007. Photo by Sgt. Jason Stadel, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

Dispatches from the Front:

HAWR RAJAB, Iraq; Nov. 9, 2007 -- Four months ago, a U.S. or Iraqi soldier walking the streets of Hawr Rajab would have likely sparked a battle. The city was dominated by al-Qaida, the streets were lined with improvised explosive devices.

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, MND-C commanding general, walked the streets of Hawr Rajab Nov. 7, witnessing firsthand the dramatic improvement in the city’s security.

With the Concerned Local Citizens fighting back and aiding U.S. Soldiers, the threat of al-Qaida has dropped considerably. An Iraqi army mechanized company was added to help secure the community.

Iraqis setting aside sectarian differences has also helped secure the area. Sunnis and Shias are working together to fight a greater enemy - al-Qaida. The change hasn’t gone unnoticed by U.S. forces.

“We’re unique here,” said Capt. Chad Klacius, commander, Troop A, 1st Battalion, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to the 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. “The Sunni concerned citizens and Shia IA are working together: this is something that has helped us to secure the city.”

Klacius spearheaded the CLC program about four months ago when he began working closely with a local leader named Sheik Ali, who is now the leader of the Hawr Rajab CLCs. The group has grown to 445 members.

Ali, a Sunni, told Lynch that working with U.S. Soldiers and the IA has helped his people return to their homes after being driven out by al-Qaida. He said the concerned citizens would continue their relationship with the IA and Coalition Forces to keep al-Qaida out of Hawr Rajab.

“The relationship with you and the IA is very important,” Lynch told Ali. “Whatever you need to help improve the living conditions, we’ll try and give it to you.”