Military

Marines near Najaf ready for return home

 AN NAJAF PROVINCE, Iraq -- Two days after Iraq's national elections, and with just a few weeks left until they return to the United States, Marines here say they are confident they are leaving the holy city of Najaf in better shape than when they arrived in July.

After weeks of training Iraqi Security Forces, the Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) stood down their patrols for Sunday's historic elections after the top Marine commander here determined that the city was in good hands with local police and soldiers.

Col. Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer for the 11th MEU (SOC), felt confident that local Iraqi law enforcement and military would be able to "take charge of the city" Jan. 30 if violence had struck during elections.

"They are ready to step forward to do what they have to do, whether Multi-National Forces are there or not," said Haslam, who spent Jan. 30 at the Joint Command Center near the governor's compound in the city's center.

"The turnout of voters was a homerun," he said.

Release #050202a