Corruption probe halts rebuilding of Iraqi city

In April, al-Gaoud was forced out of his job. Officers from the Marine Corps' Regimental Combat Team 5, which helps train Iraqi security forces throughout Anbar, witnessed his resignation. Iraqi officials confirmed the account but spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is continuing.

Al-Gaoud's predecessor in the post, Col. Hamid Ibrahim al-Jazaa, was arrested by U.S. forces last year for allegedly freeing prisoners from the local jail in return for money. He is currently held at the U.S.-run Bucca prison in southern Iraq.

Most recently, the Anbar provincial council ordered the dismissal of the provincial police chief, Maj. Gen. Tariq Youssef Mohammed, for alleged misconduct. It was Mohammed who had ordered al-Gaoud to resign.

But Mohammed refused to give up his post because he was appointed by the Ministry of Interior in Baghdad, arguing that the council had no right to replace him.

Hughes said that although U.S. officials were not involved in the investigation of the mayor and police chief, they were keeping an eye on developments in the case.

"We're eager to plug back in though. Hopefully, this matter will soon be resolved," Hughes said.

The suspension of the reconstruction effort is the latest obstacle for U.S. forces in Hit.

The city was once believed to be a way station for weapons and insurgent fighters entering the country from Syria, 110 miles of rough road to the west.

In early 2004, the Marines took over responsibility for western Anbar but had to shift forces eastward when violence flared in the provincial capital of Ramadi and in Fallujah. With the remaining Marines overstretched, Hit fell back under the control of Sunni insurgents.

In February 2007, Iraqi police backed by U.S. troops swept through the city, arresting suspected insurgents, establishing new police stations in the downtown area and reasserting the government's authority.

Since then, corruption has not been Hit's only problem. Last month, a suicide bomber blew himself up at a police checkpoint. Only a police colonel was killed, but the attack was a reminder that stability remains uncertain.

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