In a satellite television interview Wednesday, the Commander of the 3rd ID gave an update on the progress that's being made in Iraq.  Major General Rick Lynch has been in Iraq for two weeks.  He says he's already seeing improvement in the lives of the Iraqi people and life on the streets.

Less than a month ago, several thousand 3rd Brigade soldiers headed to Iraq from Fort Benning, part of the larger 3rd ID.  Just three days ago they signified their presence on the battlefield with the uncasing of the flag.  Major General Rick Lynch says the 3rd Infantry Division has successfully established functional headquarters and soldier morale is high.

He says, "We're all reasonably optimistic.  I'm seeing improvement."  Improvements like stronger, more independent Iraqi troops.  "I see Iraqi security forces conducting missions on their own.  I see Iraqi security forces embracing the idea that it's their business to fight and win this counter-insurgency operation."

Lynch is also seeing a drop in violence on Iraq's streets.  He says murders have recently dropped from 14 to seven a day.

But something Lynch is not happy about is the division among Americans about the war.

"Negativity affects the moral of our soldiers," Lynch says.  "When we hear debates about 'hey we shouldn't be there, hey we got to come back early', it makes us wonder because we're trying to do the right thing.  There is a reason we are fighting this global war on terrorism here in Iraq and Afghanistan. That reason candidly is that so we don't have to fight it in hometown USA.

Four-thousand 3rd Brigade soldiers are in Iraq.  Major General Lynch says they could be there for up to 18 months.

dsinger@wxtx.com