Institute for War and Peace Reporting: "Iraqis Welcome Local Police
Deployment of Iraqi policemen in place of American soldiers brings greater confidence that law and order can be imposed.
By Naser Kadhem in Baghdad (ICR No. 77, 03-Aug-04)
Faleh al-Asadi, 46, a high-school history teacher, was driving home when he spotted two Nissan pickups trucks with blue-and-white police markings blocking the street, allowing only one car to pass at a time.
But rather than grumbling at the slowdown, he was delighted to see local police in action.
'This is what we want from the transfer of sovereignty to Iraqis,' he said. 'I feel safe and comfortable with the police spreading out into the streets, with fewer United States patrols and checkpoints.'"