Solidarity in Samarra: Bridge is reopened to Iraqi citizens with provincial and local officials "walking the walk"

Photo By Maj. Johnpaul Arnold | An attentive Samarra Teacher College student hears the answer to her question from the Salahahdin Provincial Gov. Hamad Hamoud Shekti. Hamad, along with local and 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) leaders, was in Samarra to reopen a bridge to Iraqi citizen traffic, which officials believe will revitalize the city.  

SAMARRA, IRAQ

01.04.2008

Story by Maj. Johnpaul Arnold 

1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

U.S. Army Story by Maj. Johnpaul Arnold, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Multi-National Division – North Public Affairs Office

SAMARRA, Iraq – The city of Samarra reopened its Samarra Dam Bridge Thursday after eight months of traffic restriction due to security, easing access from surrounding communities to its markets and services, with the Salahahdin and local government, military and police officials on hand. A joint ribbon-cutting ceremony took place before the bridge, which is located just west of the city and near the main north/south interstate highway, with unity being demonstrated by all officials walking together over one mile sharing conversations and smiles.

Gov. Hamad Hamoud Shekti, Deputy Gov. Abdullah Hussein Mohammed, and Provincial Director of Police Maj. Gen. Hammed Nams Yassem represented the Salahahdin province at the ceremony. Mayor Ahmed Abass and Samarra Operations Center Director Maj. Gen. Rashid Flayeen Mohammed represented the ancient city of Samarra.

The local Samarra coalition force commander, Capt. Josh Kurtzman of C Company, 2-327 Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division said, "The reopening of the bridge is a positive sign for improved security as well as an improvement of freedom for the citizens of Samarra to conduct their daily lives."

Kurtzman and other coalition forces were in a supportive role during today's bridge reopening, while the Iraqi government, Iraqi police and Iraqi army were in the lead.

Following the bridge crossing, the provincial and local leaders moved to the newly constructed northern checkpoint, which coupled with the surrounding city berm, allows for better security for Samarra citizens. Hamad showed his support for Samarra by greeting a couple of vehicles as they passed through the checkpoint.

The Salahaddin and Samarra officials then proceeded to the 30th Street Market where they met local shop owners and customers. The Samarra markets were filled with citizens living an ordinary life of buying and selling goods.

Hamad received a number of inquiries from the Samarra citizens while in the marketplace. Kurtzman said, "The presence of the Salahahdin province governor in the city of Samarra shows the people of Samarra that the provincial government is working for them and is hearing first-hand some of the grievances from the people of Samarra."

While in the market, Hamad and other officials visited the nearby Samarra Teacher College. Students and faculty were able to ask the governor impromptu questions, along with a short press conference taken place.

Finally, the Salahahdin and Samarra officials held a joint press conference in which Salahahdin Satellite television station and an Iraq Media Network television station, Al-Ariqi gave coverage.

Samarra took several steps to improve its well-being. Security, solidarity and services basic to life will continue to define Samarra's place in Iraq.

• Date Taken: 01.04.2008
• Date Posted: 01.04.2008 09:46
• Story ID: 15173
• Location: SAMARRA, IQ