Three Iraqi Provinces transfered

ARBIL, Iraq -- In a blaze of pomp showcasing Kurdish military muscle, US forces handed over responsibility for security in Iraq's three northern provinces to the Kurdish regional government WednesdaySeven Iraqi provinces, including Najaf, Muthanna, Dhi Qar, and Maysan, now have responsibility for their own security - a third of the total. The US hopes to add more as Iraqi forces grow in capability. "Reinforcing the security of Kurdistan is reinforcing the security of Iraq," insisted Rubaie. Unlike the rest of the war-torn country, the Kurdish provinces and their comparative security have attracted the interest of foreign investors, which has fuelled a construction boom in the region's cities. "You are an example for the rest of Iraq," Major General Benjamin Mixon, the commander of US troops in northern Iraq, told the assembled dignitaries.http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070530-025429-2320r




I wonder how many troops we will be able to pull out of those three provinces. Either way as I see it, its great news. Only 11 more provinces to go!!! Also depending how many troops pull out, I'm guessing around at least 10 thousand, we can reinforce Baghdad or Diyala if we need to. And as we transferr more provinces we can increase the numbers of troops in those provinces. I have to say those three northern provinces are pretty sweet, they have like sweet hotels, and cafes and such. And apparently are attracting a lot of foreign investment. I hope the rest of Iraq can shape up like these provinces.