Commander addresses Iraq challenges

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Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen took command of Multi-National Division — North on Dec. 9.


Commander addresses Iraq challenges
By Heath Druzin, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, January 19, 2009

TIKRIT, Iraq — A recently installed command team faces many military, civil and economic challenges in trying to further stabilize and provide security for upcoming elections in the ethnically mixed northern half of Iraq.

On Dec. 9, Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen took over command of Multi-National Division — North, which covers almost all of Iraq north of Baghdad, an area the size of Ohio that includes seven provinces, three international borders, even more contentious ethnic borders, and where Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds struggle for control.

It also includes Kirkuk, an oil-rich city claimed by Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen.

In an interview, Caslen, soft-spoken with graying hair, discussed the future of MND-North, saying it will be a challenge to meet his No. 1 goal, maintaining security gains that have led to a reduction in violence in much of the region over the past year.

The most immediate issue Caslen must deal with is security for the Jan. 31 provincial elections.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=60104