Troops Ask Iraqis to Help Find Insurgents

'HADITHA, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi commanders accompanied by U.S. Marines walked through the streets of this former insurgent stronghold Saturday, trying to convince residents they could safely provide tips about hidden militants in what has evolved from a major military assault into a campaign to break the insurgency's psychological grip on the city.

Men in traditional Sunni Arab robes appeared outside in greater numbers, but still lingered close to their homes in Haditha, a city sloping downward a desert valley toward groves of palm trees along the Euphrates River.

Though insurgents were not on the streets, their presence was evident: Marines said fliers were found threatening those who vote in next weekend's constitutional referendum, and at one mosque a letter from a former policeman was found, begging al-Qaida members for forgiveness for joining security forces."
MyWay