The soldiers who worked to secure Tal Afar were, in a sense, rebels against an incoherent strategy that has brought the American project in Iraq to the brink of defeat. And the operation succeeded despite an absence of guidance from senior civilian and military leaders in Washington. The effort came after numerous failures, and very late in the war-perhaps too late. “The people of Tal Afar have shown why spreading liberty and democracy is at the heart of our strategy to defeat the terrorists.”īut the story of Tal Afar is not so simple. “Tal Afar shows that when Iraqis can count on a basic level of safety and security, they can live together peacefully,” he said. The operation was a notable success in the Administration’s newly proclaimed strategy of counterinsurgency, which has been described by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as “clear, hold, and build.” Last month, in a speech in Cleveland, President Bush hailed the achievement in Tal Afar as evidence that Iraq is progressing toward a stable future.
This time, a thousand Americans stayed, and they slowly established trust among community leaders and local residents by January, a tenuous peace had taken hold. Last fall, thousands of American and Iraqi soldiers moved in to restore government control. Insurgents soon seized the city and turned it into a strategic stronghold. A single company-about a hundred and fifty soldiers-became responsible for protecting Tal Afar. In early 2004, the division that had occupied northwestern Iraq was replaced by a brigade, with one-third the strength. Since the Iraq war began, American forces had repeatedly driven insurgents out of Tal Afar, but the Army did not have enough troops to maintain a sufficient military presence there, and insurgents kept returning to terrorize the city. In some neighborhoods, markets were open and children played in the streets elsewhere, in areas cordoned off by Iraqi checkpoints, shops remained shuttered, and townspeople peered warily from front doors and gates. Tal Afar’s stone fortifications and narrow alleys had the haggard look of a French town in the First World War that had changed hands several times. In January, when I visited, the streets had been muddied by cold winter rains and gouged by the tracks of armored vehicles. Built in 1933 and designed by architect Max Downing, this protected heritage building was painstakingly restored and renovated in preparation for the restaurant’s opening in 1999 and stands as a stunning reminder of Vancouver’s rich architectural history.Tal Afar is an ancient city of a quarter-million inhabitants, situated on a smuggling route in the northwestern desert of Iraq, near the Syrian border. Lush plantings, market umbrellas and comfy chairs create an al fresco experience unique in the downtown core.Ībout the building | Gotham is housed in one of Vancouver’s few remaining art deco buildings. When the sun shines, Gotham’s urban garden patio is the only choice for lunch, dinner or something in between. For corporate or social parties, the private rooms, individually designed menus and discreet, impeccable service guarantee a successful, memorable event. Private dining, garden dining | When the occasion calls for privacy, Gotham’s Clubroom and Boardroom are ready.
Macmaster choice meats full#
With live music, sumptuous leather and velvet, and a full range of cocktails, spirits and craft beer to tempt, the lounge is an oasis of luxury and indulgence. Not only has the expert bar team perfected the classics, they excel at creating modern and unique libations featuring today’s most intriguing twists. With a selection from the award winning wine list, dinner at Gotham is steakhouse dining at its finest.Ĭocktails perfected | High-ceilinged and dramatic, Gotham’s iconic bar is a temple for the well- crafted cocktail. Mouth-watering lobster, Alaskan King crab legs and local organic caviar offer decadent contrast, and classic sides like hand cut fries, tempura onion rings and fresh steamed sugar snap peas are delicious accompaniment. Steakhouse purists will find classics like the perfectly marbled bone-in rib and most tender filet mignon, while adventurous appetites indulge in the 48 oz. The menu offers an enticing range of classic and contemporary steakhouse creations, prepared simply, with precision and flair, to allow the integrity of the ingredients to shine through. Steak with a touch of ceremony | Gotham serves only Prime Grade Alberta beef and the freshest seafood. Gotham Steakhouse & Bar is a classic American-style steakhouse serving the finest food and drinks in warm, elegant surroundings. Kelsey Duncan, Manager, Daytime Operations Sam Jonnery, Sommelier & Assistant General Manager
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