Surge Making Progress

DefenseLink News Article: Top Central Command Enlisted Leader Says Surge Making Progress:

"By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2007 – The military surge of additional troops into Iraq seems to be working, U.S. Central Command’s top enlisted leader said. "

"...“In March, the occupancy rates in some of the mahalas was 25, 35 or 40 percent,” he said, adding that markets were closed, schools shuttered, and there were no Iraqi police or soldiers on the streets. "

"...The Iraqi people are looking to the future, Morin said. “They are buying generators -- you don’t buy those unless you have confidence,” he said. “Their families are getting back to normal. You see an old lady gardening, a mom and dad watching the kids play in the street. Mahala occupancy is up to 80 to 85 percent.” "

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