Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Whitney Houston | Ministry of Trade employees overlook some paperwork near an entrance at the Al Sha'ab...... read more read more
By Sgt. Whitney Houston
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
AL SHA' AB, Iraq – Days after the Green Zone was handed over to Iraqi authorities, things continue moving forward in Baghdad.
Coalition forces handed over Forward Operating Base Callahan in the Al Sha'ab neighborhood to Iraqi jurisdiction, Jan. 3, in the Sha'ab neighborhood of Adhamiyah District of Baghdad.
FOB Callahan was the former Sha'ab Market and was a strategic spot in Adhamiyah, which was taken over in 2007 as part of the surge to monitor routes and more fully secure the area. With the new security agreement and increased security in the area, coalition forces saw fit to hand the building back to the Iraqi Ministry of Trade.
"This building has been a coalition camp since March of 2007; it was taken over during the surge, and now we've handed over this central shop market back to Iraqi control due to the increase of security in Adhamiyah," said Lt. Col. Michael Pappal, an Indiana, Pa., native, serving as commander of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
The Ministry of Trade plans to renovate the building and return it to a market while simultaneously taking down concrete barriers surrounding it.
"There are two big effects by reopening this building: the first impact will be that traffic will be alleviated considerably by the reopening of two major roads in the area, which will allow people to move around more freely as we take down barriers. Larger vehicles will be able to transport anything from goods to fuel. And in the upcoming months, as they fix it up, they'll open it back up and it will be a source of income for the area," said Capt. Kevin Kahre, native of Evansville, Ind., serving as the commander of Company D, 1-68 AR, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Although coalition forces are withdrawing from the building, they have relocated to other outposts across northeast Baghdad. The move promotes a sense of normalcy, with roads and commerce restored, and will help the people see they are moving forward and American troops will withdraw in due time.
"This building is so prominent and has been a big reminder of a U.S. presence," Kahre said. "So, we've relocated to an old firehouse with the national police across the street. By leaving this building, it shows those who live here that Iraq is becoming more sovereign by taking control of these bigger areas. It's a symbol to them that Americans are not needed as much in the area on top of the economic benefits."
Kahre went on to explain how rewarding it has been for him and Soldiers who have deployed multiple times to see things come "full circle" and how good it was to see Iraqis get that part of their city back.
There are eight other markets like the one in Sha'ab and two remain under coalition control. The Ministry of Trade showed eagerness to reopen these markets and give the Iraqi people work.
"We have nine markets like this throughout Baghdad, and we've started the renovation plans for them. There are only two more of nine to be handed back over to us," said Mahdi Hasaan Shihab, a Ministry of Trade employee.
"It's a happy time for us you know because it's ours, and we want to utilize the Ministry of Trade to serve the people of this area and help the economy."
Handing back critical areas like the Sha'ab Market shows a confirmation that security is improving in Baghdad and, as security improves, Iraq will continue to move forward as a country.
| Date Taken: | 01.03.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.04.2009 10:00 |
| Story ID: | 28427 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 606 |
| Downloads: | 198 |
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