Iraq sees progress in reconstruction

BAGHDAD, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Major construction projects throughout Iraq indicate the general mission there is shifting from a military engagement to one of overall reconstruction.

The governor of Baghdad, Hussein al-Tahan, said construction on the Diala bridge linking Iraq to the southern provinces would reopen Thursday, Voice of Iraq said. A truck bomb destroyed the bridge in May 2007.

Tahan said officials would officially change the name of the bridge to "al-Salam," or peace, as a sign of the improved security situation in Baghdad.

Housing and Construction officials announced Tuesday it started work on a major project linking ports in southern Iraq to major roads in Basra, al-Sabaah reported.

Meanwhile, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, announced the United States spent $260 million on reconstruction projects in the holy city of Najaf.

Crocker told officials during the visit he was "pleased with the development in Najaf," calling the progress there a sign of "prosperity and stability.