The Awakening helping to secure Iraq

BAGHDAD, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. officials credit the work of local leaders in Iraq's Sunni-dominated areas as contributing to the recent calm.

Sunni leaders work in collaboration with multinational forces to secure various areas as many of the country's millions of refugees slowly begin to return to their homes, CNN reported.

Observers credit the calm to the increased role of various Iraqi groups in the Sunni-led al-Anbar Awakening that brought grassroots units, led by the Concerned Local Citizens program, into the battle against insurgents.

U.S. President Bush addressed reporters Tuesday before his Middle East tour, noting that as the violence "continues to decrease," U.S. troops will continue their redeployment from the region.

"As the security improves, life is returning to normal in communities across Iraq, with children back in school and shops reopening and markets bustling with commerce," he said.

A further sign of the improved situation in Iraq is the handover by British forces working in southern Iraq to their Iraqi counterparts, a feat U.S. forces hope to emulate.

The year "2008 will see a continued tough fight but one where we will see increasing commitment and involvement of Iraqi forces and the Iraqi people. And that should be encouraging," said Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, the Multi-National Division-Iraq spokesman.