How One Iraqi Man Changed Baghdad
Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 05:42PM On the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, some Americans still claim Iraqis aren’t doing their share to win the war in their country.
This is the story of an Iraqi doctor named Dr. Muyad who risked everything to fight al-Qaeda in his al-Rashid neighborhood in Baghdad. He organized a working relationship with Coalition Forces and with his own money bought pick up trucks from Dubai to clean up the trash that had littered the streets for 4 years. From there, his trash crews watched for the bad guys planting IEDs and became informants for Coalition Forces. The violence in al-Rashid began to plummet because of his initiatives.
Dr. Muyad also started a sewage project, build new sidewalks and street lights with his own money and directly employs 1600 Iraqis in his neighborhood. He even finds jobs for orphans in al-Rashid as a way of taking care of them.
Dr. Muyad’s amazing courage and fortitude, coupled with his financial generosity and cooperation with US troops, makes Iraq a better place today. How many Americans would do the same? Well, we know about 150,000 serving in Iraq today who do, but their success would not be possible if not for Iraqis like Dr. Muyad.
http://amyproctor.squarespace.com/blog/trackback/1707925
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (10)
I am sure he is one of many that the MSM does not mention. However, it is wonderful to see that there is an effort being made other than our American soldiers.
BTW, HAPPY EASTER!
Excellent story. Indeed more Iraqis than ever are stepping up. It's a long slow process, and we all wish it was going faster, but it is happening.
And why are they stepping up?
Because with the "surge" we were able to finally provide security. Without security you will not have political progress. With it you will.
All this was laid out in The US Army Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual (FM 3-14). As you probably know, then Lt. Gen Petraeus headed the team that wrote it. It was released in December of 2006, and it propelled him to his current position. Basically he wrote the plan then they told him to go implement it.
Here are a few key parts from 3-24 as which relate to your post
"1-4 Long term success in COIN depends on the people taking charge of their own affairs and consenting to the government's rule.
1-131 SECURITY UNDER THE RULE OF LAW IS ESSENTIAL The cornerstone of any COIN effort is establishing security for the civilian populace. Without a secure environment, no permanent reforms can be implemented and disorder spreads.
1-153 SOME OF THE BEST WEAPONS FOR COUNTERINSURGENTS DO NOT SHOOT. ...While security is essential to setting the stage for overall progress, lasting victory comes from a vibrant economy, political participation,and restored hope. Particularly after security has been achieved, dollars and ballots will have more important effects than bombs and bullets."
Building infrastructure and getting services up and running are key. It looks like Dr. Muyad is the man for the job.
oops, I forgot to close my italics before that last sentence. My apologies.
Hey, Tom, I quoted that part about "best weapons don't shoot" on Amy's entry about Moqtada al Sadr... would you consider weighing in on that topic?
Dr. Muyad is a powerful example of how ordinary Iraqis are taking huge risks and demonstrating heroic courage in efforts to rebuild their beloved country. This is why the "they'd better get it together over there and step up to the plate" rhetoric of the democrats is so insulting to the poor embattled Iraqis.
Dr. Muyad is a modern day Paul Revere or Ben Franklin for his nation. God bless him and may God speed the progress of the new Republic of Iraq.
I am more surprised this report is a product of ABC News than I am that an Iraqi is doing good things in and for his neighborhood. There are probably a hundred Dr.Muyads for every one MSM report about them.
Surprisingly, ABC has been relatively fair on Iraq. Terry McCarthy, the ABC reporter, is really good.
Happy Easter, Leticia!
wow what a guy! Iraq definitely needs more of him.
This is an interesting post. We'd love to have your point of view represented in this week's Carnival of Politics, a weekly blog magazine about politics. If you're interested please consider submitting this post at www.carnivalofpolitcs.com/submit.
I should let you know, this isn't a spam bot. I've actually read your post and think it is interesting.
There have been a number of reports on this guy; he's a regular activist Renaissance Man. Brilliant and effective.