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Iraqi Tank Brigade Hosts Sheik Meeting at Saab al Bour, North of Baghdad

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - The 2nd Tank Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, along with 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, hosted a sheik meeting in Saab al Bour north of Baghdad 11 April.

Nineteen Iraqis represented the local communities at the meeting, with 10 Sunni and five Shia leaders present to meet with two Iraqi army officers, two Iraqi police officers and Lt. Col. Dave Thompson, commander, 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt.

The purpose of the sheik meeting was to establish communication links with influential leaders in and around Saab al Bour and discuss concerns regarding the area. The communication links will address sectarian tension in the area and provide the Iraqi army leadership an opportunity to take the lead in security issues.

"This is good. This is the first time we met each other," said Sheik Ali Mohammed, a Sunni leader. "We hear each other's problems. We sit here and talk to each other and work things out."

Many topics were discussed. The prominent concerns raised were security, upgrading electrical power and building a medical clinic.

The leaders, both secular and religious, emphasized the unifying force of Islam and downplayed the differences between Sunni and Shia. The sect leaders came to an understanding that they will not be aggressive against each other and they will not let the terrorists come between them. The leaders said they understood the prohibition on having weapons outside the home as well as the daily curfew requirements.

The leaders also developed a consensus that Saab al Bour must have a voice in the government. Currently, Saab al Bour does not have a Qada (city council). They agreed to form a nucleus of a city council and continue to meet twice a month.

The Iraqi army representatives and Thompson announced plans to improve the electrical delivery to the area and provide security for the electrical workers as well as other infrastructure improvement projects.

"This was a good meeting today," said Col. Nader Abu Mohammed, deputy commander, 2nd Tank Bde., 9th IA Div. "All the big guys from this area met to discuss issues. They want us to help them build this area (with security) as improvements are made to the electrical power system, the medical clinic and the government."

Lt. Col. Ali Asad, the Iraqi Police Chief, promoted a recruitment campaign during the summit. Recruits are needed to increase the capability to conduct law enforcement duties in the city in order to maintain a safe and secure environment.

"What we do here, we can't do without the citizens of Saab al Bour," said Thompson. "Your people are friendly and work with us. Together, you can form a strong council.

"Saab al Bour is an important town. This town could be the model for the rest of Iraq."

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq