Security Key To Basra's Progress

Here in Basra, the long embankment that runs along the west bank of the Shatt al-Arab river is nicknamed the Riviera.

In late afternoon, when the temperature drops to a mere 48C, people come out with their families to stroll along the river front, sit and drink coffee or soft drinks, or smoke nargilehs (water pipes).

The more adventurous children splash about in the limpid green water of the river.

You might expect the eruption of a dozen or so heavily-armed soldiers into this pleasant scene, jumping out of their vehicles and taking up firing positions on either side of the street, to cause serious trouble.

Not a bit of it. A group of teenagers gathers excitedly round one soldier, as he rests his automatic weapon on the concrete wall.

And instead of ordering them away, or threatening them, he starts talking to them, matching his few words of Arabic with their few words of English.
http://mathaba.net/MNN/www.anotherir...item/?x=297257

Everything takes time to happen...slow but sure! :D