In an interview that had to be rescheduled because of yesterday’s terror bombing of the Shia Golden Mosque in Samarra (the rough equivalent of a bomb in the Vatican); ON Point talked with BrigGen Kevin Bergner.

BG Bergner is the spokesman for Multi-National Forces-Iraq. Only two weeks ago, he replaced MajGen William Caldwell, who is now the Commanding General of the Army’s Command & Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas.  This was one of BG Bergner’s first interviews since coming on station.

Since “the Surge” began, violence in Iraq -- as measured by both American and Iraqi casualties -- has increased, particularly in Baghdad.  Yesterday the Pentagon also told Congress that, judging by the Feb – May statistics, the Pentagon raised concerns about Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s ability to prohibit Shia political interference in security operations, as well as his capabilities of allowing no safe havens for sectarian militias.

ON Point: What is the response now in Iraq to the bombing?

BG Bergner: This is a vicious attack on the mosque, as well as an affront to the dignity and honor of all civilized people. The United States joined Prime Minister Maleki in calling for calm. We’ve already seen a few peaceful gatherings, but there has been no violence. Gen Petraeus and Amb Crocker have already met with Mr. Maliki, and we’ve jointly agreed to take the following steps:

1 – There is a curfew already in effect.

2 – We’ve helped move more Iraqi Security Forces into Samara

3 – There will be an investigative commission appointed.

While the United States will provide technical and forensic assistance, this is most definitely an Iraqi operation.  And the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, as well as the Minister of Information all have already flown to Samarra by helicopter in order to inspect the damage.

ON Point: Who did it?

Bergner: Our initial information is that it was done by Al Qaeda in Iraq [AQI], and not a Sunni group.

ON Point: What is the reaction of the Iraqi government?

Bergner: Oh, they are uniformly outraged. This has galvanized Vice President Talibani and the other Iraqi leaders; they are united in their commitment to each other. Today’s outrage did not split the political leadership, but rather strengthened it.

ON Point: The insurgents are targeting the infrastructure, and took down 6 bridges in the last 3 days. We had the mosque bombing today. This morning Prime Minister Maliki is quoted as saying “we have eliminated the danger of sectarian war.” What is happening to make us think we are not finally spirilling down into some sort of massive civil war?

Bergner: Well yes, the news is ugly. But we believe that that the violence is a reflection of our putting increased pressure on Al-Qaeda, and this is their way of fighting back. Look; the MEU has arrived, 4 of our 5 brigades have arrived, along with the airwing. We’ve just discovered a huge arms cache in South Baghdad; we’ve just rolled up a mortar section, and seized about 9 mortars – this is a huge blow to their indirect fire capability. In Fallujah we captured a major truck bomb factory. We’ve significantly increased the pressure in Baquoba and Diyala, and what we’re seeing is them lashing out in response to our pressure.

ON Point: Gen Petraeus has been saying that American casualty numbers will get worse before they get better. So are the recent figures a good sign or a bad sign?

Bergner: We always look at ways to reduce casualties. But you can’t be an effective leader without taking losses, and we regret – I regret – the loss of every one of these young troopers. But this is war and we’re going to take casualties if we’re doing this right.

ON Point: You’ve opened some 60 Joint Security Stations and Combat OP’s in Baghdad. How effective have they been, and what is the response of the locals?

Bergner: The JSS’s and OP’s are amazingly effective. We are totally integrated with the IP’s and IA’s, and every night we’re going out after IED’s and taking down the secret cells.  We get an enormous number of tips and intelligence from the locals, and I believe the numbers are increasingly weekly.

ON Point: How’s the morale of the Marines and soldiers?

Bergner: Well, we all watch the news. We see what’s happening back home. But I can’t be more proud of our troops, who are living and working in some pretty awful conditions.  I’ve seen some JSS’s and OP’s that are sort of rudimentary, and we’ve got some work to do on making them better, but my experience in meeting our troops has been very positive.

ON Point: Can the success of the Marines in Anbar with the Sunni’s be replicated in Baghdad? Can the Shia’s think beyond religion?

Bergner: We think they can. Some already do, but not all of them. There’s not a universal agreement among them. It’s all about security – local security first, then you get local confidence, and then it gets better and builds from there. It’s really a question of local solutions for local problems.