The Rebirth of Tall ‘Afar

Positive news doesn't make headlines, I guess.

By Polli Barnes Keller

Gulf Region North
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Mosul Iraq - Many people write letters to the President of the United States. But how many get enough attention to be read into the records of Congress? A letter written by the mayor of Tall ‘Afar, Najim Al-Jibouri, did just that.

Najim’s letter was one of thanks and a plea for continued help with the reconstruction of his city. Tall ‘Afar was a main base of operations for insurgents in northern Iraq. In his letter to Bush, the mayor indicated the insurgents had, “held the city hostage.” Thanks to the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment working with Iraqi forces the city was liberated and reconstruction began.

Due to years of neglected infrastructure and war, the process to restore the city will take years. Power lines are in need of repair; debris and rubble make the streets impassable. Sewer lines are broken and raw sewage flows freely into the streets, while water systems remain dormant. However, the process has begun and a normal life for the citizens of Tall ‘Afar does not look so far away.

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