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| Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad, pull security in Ameriyah during a meeting of local leaders, members of the Iraqi Security Forces and MND-B Soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente |
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| Local Leaders Discuss Progress, Stability |
Local leaders, Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Army soldier
meet to discuss stability and security in Baghdad neighborhood. |
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| By U.S. Army Spc. Rodney Foliente |
BAGHDAD, Aug. 21, 2006 -- Local leaders, Iraqi Security Forces representatives and Multi-National Division Baghdad soldiers conducted a meeting in Baghdad’s Ameriyah neighborhood as part of Operation Together Forward, an undertaking designed to increase stability and security throughout the city.
In the midst of a cordon and search and tandem civil affairs mission, the elected neighborhood representatives of Ameriyah plus religious leaders, representatives of the Iraqi army and police, soldiers from Company A, 412th Civil Affairs Battalion, and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, shared refreshments and began discussions on how the gathered elements could work together to improve the safety and infrastructure of the neighborhood.
“You are the most powerful people of Ameriyah,” said Col. Robert Scurlock, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
“We are here to help you. This needs to be an Iraqi solution, with the Iraqi army, Iraqi police and the Iraqi government.
“If there are items we can help you fix, we will,” continued Scurlock. “We need to establish a system that will last.”
He added that they needed to work together to stabilize the area and increase job opportunities, boost the economy and create an environment where the citizens feel safe. “We have to keep the terrorists out. We’d like you to help us devise the plan. We will provide the muscle to put it in place.”
The assembled local Iraqi leaders expressed their agreement and willingness to cooperate.
“You can consider us your right hand,” said the neighborhood advisory council leader through a translator. “We were chosen by the people. We are talking on behalf of the people. What benefits Ameriyah, benefits us. What hurts Ameriyah, hurts us.”
Some of the topics discussed were reopening the neighborhood’s bank, clearing the roads of trash, debris and barriers, providing other essential services to strengthen Ameriyah’s infrastructure and adjusting checkpoints and other security measures to keep terrorists out of the area. The NAC members also offered use of their government building as well as assistance in future operations.
“We exist to help our people,” said an imam through a translator. “We feel very happy and feel safer if we see American and Iraqi Forces in this area.” |
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| U.S. Army Col. Robert Scurlock, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, attached to Multi-National Division – Baghdad, greets a local imam and member of Ameriyah’s neighborhood advisory council during a meeting of local leaders, members of the Iraqi Security Forces and MND-B soldiers. |
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Another imam described an incident where Iraqi unity proved more important than sectarian division. He explained that, earlier that day, there was a group of Shiite soldiers patrolling an area next to a mosque guarded by local Sunnis.
At first, he continued, both sides were nervous about being so close and “exposed” to each other. The guards, however, brought food and shared a meal with the soldiers; the soldiers followed suit for the next meal.
By sharing food and companionship, both sides parted with a new sense of trust and confidence that they could work together, said the imam.
“The soldiers had very good feedback after leaving Ameriyah,” said an Iraqi army soldier as he nodded his agreement.
That and similar experiences during Operation Together Forward will potentially allow the overall populace of the Sunni neighborhood to trust the predominately Shiite soldiers in the area, said an imam.
Overall, the local citizens were compliant and understanding of the necessity of the searches and agreed that they welcome the sense of security that follows such efforts to root out terrorism.
“We appreciate your help in Ameriyah and the security you bring,” said one of the imams through a translator. “You have our continued cooperation.” |
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