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of these contracts and consequently employment for locals stimulated the economy. Markets were selling modern electrical items that hadn't been seen for many years. Iraqis were able to purchase new air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, computers and anything else that most of the world takes for granted. They were able to connect to the Internet and observe the world via the media without fear of Saddam's henchmen knocking at their door. This was only part of the rebuilding process. For many local communities, it was necessary to start from the ground up, with the restoration of a reliable power supply and clean water. New material was required and this was supplied in a large part by the Americans.

The American military have installed generators and water pump systems to help with this process. These missions have come at not only a financial cost, but the loss of life, as any excursion "outside the wire" is fraught with danger from the insurgency. Pump stations along the Tigris River have been a source of much frustration for the American's. They have replaced antiquated equipment with modern generators and pumps, only to see the locals pilfer them for parts. The attraction of improving their own situation took precedence over the entire community receiving water. These pieces of equipment have had to be repaired or replaced on numerous occasions. The Americans do not operate and maintain these pump stations; it is contracted out to Iraqi's. While local contractors are well intentioned, they cannot fend off an approach from armed aggressor's intent on taking what they want.

A small percentage of these people the American's are trying to help are battling against this assistance by displaying a greed mentality that has developed in a country where having nothing was the norm. Pressure from the majority of Iraqi's wanting to develop their country will hopefully prevail eventually, but that is up to them. They are being provided with the basics.

It is well documented that the American's have trained the new Iraqi army and Police Force. I've seen the rigorous training provided to this new breed of law enforcement in northern Iraq. They began this process as wide eyed men in search of financial security, possessing enthusiasm and the will to defend their communities. They became organized military battalions and police officers. This has been a rocky road for the new military recruits, whose first tour of duty was to be in the Baghdad area. When news

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