Mosul citizens’ one click closer to freedom

by Spc. Mary Rose Xenikakis

MOSUL, Iraq (September 27, 2003) – Mosul’s connection with the world, through
Internet, is now a reality. The first government-funded public Internet
establishment, Internet Café #10, was officially reopened Sept. 27, in Mosul,
with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The State Company Internet Services, centralized in Baghdad, has been reopening
many Internet Cafés throughout Iraq during the past few weeks. Four open in
Baghdad and two more are scheduled to be open in Baghdad within a week, said Al
Hadithig, manager of State Company Internet Services of Iraq. Mosul is also
expecting five more to open within the next few weeks. Internet Café #10 is now
able to supply Internet access and classes to the local people.

Maj. Gen. David H. Petreaus, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division
(Air Assault), Khasro Goran, Mosul deputy mayor, and Mahmood Rafeek Al Hadithig
showed to cut the ribbon and tour the refurbished business.

“We all know that knowledge is power,” Petreaus said. “This Internet café and
the others that will soon open will empower the cities citizens. The knowledge
and information will be critical for the rebuilding of Mosul.”

Currently, Mosul does not have a reliable Internet communications link with
Baghdad, so with help from Coalition Forces the Internet connection in Mosul is
through satellite. Each café will have 10 to 25 computers, which will be
connected through satellite until the

During and after the war looters destroyed many of the Internet businesses. At
Internet Café #10, employees managed to save much of the businesses equipment by
securing it in private homes when the looters ravaged through the city,
according to Koteeba Al Neeme, Mosul director for State Company Internet
Services.

Petreaus and Goran both spoke about the changes that have already happened and
the many changes to come for the people of Iraq.

“Each reopening is a reminder to us what can happen when Coalition Forces and
Iraqis work together,” Petreaus said. “Although, Coalition Forces did provide
assistance and resources, again the bulk of the work and the bulk of expertise
came from the Iraqi people.”

Goran spoke to the guest about the freedoms that sat in front of them, while
looking at the computers. He said, the ex-regime kept the Iraqi citizens from
even basic information. With the help from the Coalition Forces the citizens of
Iraq will grow from the knowledge now being freely given to them.

Petreaus finished his address to the guests by saying, “Our soldiers are proud
to have given the greatest gift of all to the Iraqi people. That is their
freedom. That freedom includes access to the information super highway.”

Not all is bad!

John
On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD

JohnH wrote:

Mosul citizens’ one click closer to freedom

by Spc. Mary Rose Xenikakis

MOSUL, Iraq (September 27, 2003) – Mosul’s connection with the world, through
Internet, is now a reality. The first government-funded public Internet
establishment, Internet Café #10, was officially reopened Sept. 27, in Mosul,
with a ribbon cutting ceremony.


Isn't Mosul the city where US troops fired on civilians who were trying
to pick up coins scattered in the street?



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JohnH wrote:

Mosul citizens’ one click closer to freedom

by Spc. Mary Rose Xenikakis



Whoops. Just noticed the byline. Controlled news from the military.



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