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Catherine Moy
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American and allied troops continue to stabilize iraq, even as troop levels decrease from Surge levels. Armed Forces Press Service reports today that another province in Babil reports security, improved commerce and, thanks to American, coalition and Iraq forces.

By Navy Seaman William Selby
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - Citizens of Iraq’s Babil province feel secure, and overall quality of life in the area is improving due to the efforts of Iraqi and coalition forces, a U.S. commander said on Aug. 14, 2008.

Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, detailed for military bloggers and online journalists the ongoing effort to secure his region of Iraq and stimulate its economy.

James has oversight of Babil province, part of the military’s Multinational Division Center area of responsibility south of Baghdad.

“Our mission is to secure the population, defeat extremists and neutralize resistance groups, increase the professionalism of the Iraqi security forces, build the capacity of government institutions and economic programs, and transition security and local development tasks to the Iraqi security forces and local governments over time,” James said.

Significant improvements in quality of life and the overall security situation are the result of progress within the Iraqi security forces and a working partnership between the Iraqi forces and coalition troops, James said. Those improvements are causing a positive chain reaction and becoming partially self-reinforcing, he noted.

“The improved security has enabled positive growth in governance and economic systems, creating tangible improvements in the daily lives of Babil citizens,” he said.

In July 2007, Babil averaged eight attacks per day. Now, James said, fewer than two attacks take place per week in the province.