Courtesy Photo | Multi-National Division- Baghdad and 1st Cavalry Division Commanding, Maj. Gen. Joseph...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. W. Wayne Marlow
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs
BAGHDAD – Merchants and shoppers at the Palestine Market can now go about their business in a more secure setting.
Soldiers with the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, are almost complete with barrier emplacement in the market, located in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad.
Work began on May 1 and according to Maj. Bruce Vitor, squadron executive officer was 95 percent complete June 19. Squadron leaders accompanied Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr., Multi-National Division – Baghdad and 1st Cavalry Division commander, on a tour of the market.
Over 1,800 concrete sections have been emplaced, but those won't be the only barriers involved in the project.
"We talked with local nationals to convince them it was in their best interest to have the barriers emplaced," said Lt. Col. James Phillips, squadron commander.
While merchants understood the need for security, they had concerns about the barriers. For instance, pastry and fruit vendors often rely on impulse purchases, so they were worried about their products not being seen from street. Others needed room to get push carts or scooters through, and others worried about access to driveways and delivery trucks.
"It's a very dispersed market," Phillips said. "We had to accommodate each block differently. We went business by business, block by block, and that really helped."
Vitor said 3-61 Soldiers maintained regular contact with the merchants.
"We talked with the store owners before, during, and after the emplacement. Each one had different concerns and we tried to accommodate them," he said.
The barrier emplacement seems to be paying dividends, though Phillips cautions it is too early to declare it a success.
"Some of the merchants have said shopping has increased and that the shoppers seem more relaxed," Phillips said "It's as crowded as I've ever seen it."
Also, some merchants are putting advertisements or paintings on the barriers.
There were several obstacles along the way, such as destroyed bridges and intimidated contractors. But the barriers are up and benefits are being seen. "Everybody understands the purpose and everybody would like more protection," Vitor said.
He added the barriers are only one part of the security plan, which also includes checkpoints and patrols.
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2007 13:37 |
| Story ID: | 10966 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 367 |
| Downloads: | 345 |
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