"The city is slowly rebuilding and returning to life. 
    Some report that it's now the safest city in the Sunni 
    Triangle due to the heavy presence of Iraqi police and 
    army. Every major intersection now has unarmed Iraqi 
    police directing traffic in crisp short-sleeve button 
    down shirts, white gloves, black flack vests, and dark 
    blue pants. More frequently we're responding to IEDs 
    [improvised explosive devices] reported by local 
    children, police and informants.....

    "On the main strip, restaurants and electronics shops are 
    open for business. I have seen some sit down diner-type 
    restaurants and others where people line up for food at 
    teller-like windows. There is still a great deal of trash 
    on the streets by Western standards but noticeably less 
    than when we first arrived. Many people are moving back 
    into the city and buildings are in various stages of 
    repair. There are more vehicles on the streets; many are 
    BMW's and Mercedes."