CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Monday, December 3, 2007

Good News from Iraq: 3 Dec 2007

From MNF-I, Prominent Sheik Hosts Reconciliation Meeting.

CAMP STRIKER — One of the most prominent sheiks in southern Baghdad recently hosted a high-level reconciliation conference at his home.

Sheik Khalif Haloos invited Sunni and Shia sheiks, Iraqi government officials and military leaders to his personal residence in Sadr al-Yusufiyah.

Haloos asked the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment from the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) to support this meeting by providing assistance with security. Approximately 2,000 tribal and sub-tribal sheiks and members were invited to discuss their solidarity to rid their areas of insurgents, establish essential services and to establish a plan for future prosperity.

The event was attended by approximately 500 sheiks, of which 65 were senior-level tribal leaders. All attendees signed an agreement putting aside differences in religious sects for the good of the region.

In addition, the signed agreement came with a provision recognizing that the Americans are here to help them improve their quality of life with essential services and security and it is the insurgency and al-Qaida that is hampering growth in their region.