Following up on Anah Courthouse
I am not obsessing on the courthouse in Anah, but since I spent nearly two days trying without success to get there, I wanted to follow up with a picture of our accomplishments. I would have liked to be there to see the opening, but the place opened w/o me and I understand a good time was had by all. The Marines were there and the Marines with CERP (commander’s money) did most of the renovations. Our PRT funds just put on some of the finishing touches and all I really did was sign the papers. Of course it is good to have official civilian participation (i.e. me) at these sorts of events, so I still am sad to have missed it.

This is the interesting juxtaposition: the new courthouse representing rule of law growing out of the Hesco barriers and detritus of war.
Comments
The reemergence of such civil institutions are really a good sign. I wish the best of luck to Iraqi judge(s) who will hold court there.
Posted by: T. "Chimpy" Greer | December 31, 2007 12:30 AM
Hi, I am the Rule of Law advisor with Dhi Qar PRT, in Southern Iraq. I found your blog-news about the courthouse. I understand the difficulties you are facing with.good look!
Posted by: Luca Costa | December 31, 2007 11:24 AM
Congratulations! Its a very beautiful building. How exciting to have a court house. Hopefully it will be used wisely and justly. Good luck to you and the Marines.
Posted by: J. Lynn | January 1, 2008 02:55 AM
These are all fascinating. I'll be heading to an ePRT in April, so I really appreciate the practical tips you are including.
Posted by: Ted Andrews | January 13, 2008 12:01 AM
Do you know if they are ready to start staffing and working any of these facilities yet?
From John
They are holding court there already. I do not know about how they hire staff.
Posted by: Aimee | January 15, 2008 12:20 AM
I DID SPENT TONS OF TIME PATROLLING IN AND THE COURTHOUSE I WAS WITH 2/8 ECHO CO. WE SET UP THE FOB THERE AND WERE THE FIRST MARINES TO ENTER THE CITY IT HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE WE WERE THERE, ITS GOOD TO SEE THAT OUR SACRIFICE IS STARTING TO PAY OFF.
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Thank you. Everyone who was here in years (or even months) past tellls me how much progress has been made.
Posted by: Isaac Velis | February 7, 2008 01:39 AM