Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Lt. Gen.: Cultural awareness, money essential in rebuilding Iraq
By Fred Davis
University Daily Kansan (U. Kansas)
04/18/2006

(U-WIRE) LAWRENCE, Kan. — Setting the tone was the key message in Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus' speech, "Observations from Soldiering in Iraq."

Speaking in front of a packed crowd at the Dole Institute of Politics, Petraeus's observations ranged from the importance of cultural awareness to how essential money is in rebuilding Iraq — both vital methods that aid in sending a positive message to everyone, soldiers and civilians, in Iraq.

Petraeus said the cultural awareness, such as learning the language, the culture and the structure of the government, was "hugely important" because of the difference in customs of the United States versus Iraq.

"Commanders get paid to make adjustments and set the right tone," he said.

Petraeus, the Commnanding General of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, used a Power-Point demonstration to illustrate his "14 Observations from Iraq."

When discussing how "money is ammunition," Petraeus said that money was very helpful in getting projects done and aiding with various missions.

In an eight-month span, Petraeus said his division completed some 5,000 projects after receiving $53.6 million from money recovered throughout Iraq. Those projects included rebuilding schools, water plants and getting electricity running.

He also highlighted the importance of Iraqis and U.S. soldiers working together when he called Major Christopher Phelps, Silver Lake graduate student, and his Iraqi interpreter, Mustafa Abdualla, who hails from Baghdad, to the stage.

Phelps and Abdualla have worked together for eight months and spent time in Fallujah before coming to the United States.

Petraeus cited their relationship's significance and the role each are playing in turning things around in Iraq.

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