As Marines Exit Gathers Pace, Some Iraqis Fret
Symulski and Capt. Dallas Shaw, 39, of Fairfax, Va., listened to business leaders vent their worries at a North Ramadi council meeting.
The officers were peppered with questions about security measures and allegations that Iraqi security forces were stealing from their stores. They debated hiring their own security force, but Shaw shook his head. He told them they needed to deal with their police precinct commander.
"Very soon, there won't be any Marines coming here," he said.
The remark drew murmurs of dismay.
Kareem Arak, the council president, shook his head, telling Shaw: "We feel many bad things are coming."
I am beginning to sense that the current plan to leave may be too soon, but those with the daily briefings are paid to know what is best.
