Basra, Iraq - An Iraqi Kindergartener recently had the honor of helping reopen her school. The grownups were there to lend a hand at the ribbon cutting, including the Dominican nuns who run the elementary school in war-ravaged Basra, and New Orleans native Robert Lansden.
"We are rebuilding Iraq," says Lansden, a Navy Reserve Captain who directs the U.S. Military's Civilian Reconstruction Program.
Lansden's frustration was evident as he spoke with print photographer Julie Dermansky and Videographer Phin Percy, two journalists embedded with Louisiana Soldiers in Iraq.
"No has heard (of the progress)," complained Lansden. "The people of New Orleans and the people of this country need to know that Iraq is becoming a peaceful place. They're ready to start anew. They're tired of war."
CMOC, as the construction program is called, has rebuilt schools, public roads and bridges in Iraq.
"It does it with a focus," explains Lansden, "to rebuild hope, optimism."
Last year, the elementary school's head mistress, Sister Susan, came to a military camp in the middle of Basra and pleaded for the help of coalition forces.
As Iraq staggers out of years of sectarian violence, the school is shining example of harmony. Muslim and Christian children attend class together, play together. That is precisely the point behind C-MOC, which focuses on the most dangerous areas of the country.
One year ago, Basra barely functioned, a city controlled by shiite militias.
Captain Lansden believes the rebuilding program will produce tangible results. The goal, he says, is to make Iraqis "realize that we're on their side. That the Americans are here to help."
