Posted on 09/22/2006 8:36:32 AM PDT by jmc1969
Coalition forces in Iraq have suddenly received the manpower equivalent of three light infantry divisions. They did not suffer any repercussions in domestic politics as a result, and now have a huge edge over al-Qaeda in al-Anbar province. How did this happen? Tribal leaders in the largely Sunni province on the Syrian border got together and signed an agreement to raise a tribal force of 30,000 fighters to take on foreign fighters and terrorists.
These leaders have thrown in with the central government in Baghdad. This is a decisive blow to al Qaeda, which has been desperately trying to fight off an Iraqi government that is getting stronger by the week. Not only are the 30,000 fighters going to provide more manpower, but these tribal fighters know the province much better than American troops – or the foreign fighters fighting for al Qaeda. Also, this represents just over 80 percent of the tribes in al-Anbar province now backing the government.
The biggest gain for the coalition is that they will now have forces on their side that know the terrain in al Anbar province. This is a very big deal in a campaign against the terrorists. When a force knows the terrain, it can make life miserable for its enemies. Just ask any Army unit that has gone through the National Training Center at Fort Irwin. The OPFOR (Opposing Force) has fought there for so long that they know all the good ambush sites. Units coming there for a training session don't have that knowledge – and they pay the price in the exercises held there.
This is just one sign that the tide is turning in favor of the coalition in Iraq. Many of the Sunni leaders have decided that the Shia-dominated Iraqi government is not going away any time soon, nor is the democratic process. As such, the tribal leaders have now decided that it is better to be on their good side rather than to be seen as uncooperative. Constant Arab casualties in al Qaeda attacks – and al Qaeda's desire for a caliphate – have not helped matters any, either.
On the other hand, by signing up with the government, these tribal leaders will hasten the construction of government services, and gain something else just as valuable – the government's gratitude. In essence, the tribal leaders have slowly been won over by a combination of coalition perseverance and al Qaeda strategic ineptness.
This agreement, if it holds, is a win for the United States, which is looking for measurable progress. It is a win for the Shia-dominated Iraqi government, which will now have an easier time in that province. It is a win for the tribal leaders, who will get a few markers they can call in down the road from the government for their assistance. For al Qaeda, now facing the equivalent of three additional light infantry divisions composed of people who will have knowledge of al Anbar province, it is a huge loss.
Careful here. Remember in this part of the world there is no trust or permanent loyalty. Only rent-a-mobs, and they go to the highest bidder of the moment.
Anbar has been a draw, at best. Perhaps this will tip it the proper direction, perhaps this is nothing but words on the wind.
You probably have a point -- in fact, you do have a point. But it sounds as if their self-interest led them this way, and there are few more reliable motivations. (Where it will lead them in the future, who knows? But I'll take this for now.)
Thanks for good news ping GA!
Great News!!! Thanks for the Post!
I'm going to have faith and not doubt over this bit of news! : )
Hey there...Just A..... Good to hear you chime in...... : )
Whoo Hoooo!!!!
This IS huge, and it's not 3 light divisions....it's also every man, women and child belonging to the tribes....don't piss off the Bedouins...ever..
It's either get together like this or disintegrate into civil war and be overrun by Iran.
Very good news. Thanks for the post and the ping.
(Rove, you magnificant bastard!)
Shalom.
Obviously we've had this agreement since April, but Rove was waiting to spread the word.
</sarcasm>
Shalom.
Bump to that petertare!
You are so right... additionally the article will be written with a negative spin!
They are Sunnis not Shia.
The Islamic Army in Iraq Claims Responsibility for Bombings Targeting American Forces and Iraqi Police and National Guard in Areas of Baghdad
By SITE Institute
September 21, 2006
In three communiqués from several issued today, Thursday, September 21, 2006, by the Islamic Army in Iraq, the group claims responsibility for detonations of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting Iraqi police and National Guard, and “occupation forces” in al-Yusufiyah, al-Dawra, each south of Baghdad, and al-Makaren, west of the capital. The attack on Iraqi police forces occurred Sunday, September 17, destroying a vehicle and killing those people inside; that striking National Guard members took place last Friday, September 15; and the bombing on American forces in al-Makaren was on Monday, September 18, destroying an armored vehicle and killing its crew. According to the message a helicopter was observed to receive the bodies.
http://www.siteinstitute.org/bin/articles.cgi?ID=publications213006&Category=publications&Subcategory=0
One step further than that... when a force used to cooperate with the enemy, they know who and where they are.
Actually, I think the NY slimes would "Round file" it for later reference.
Which is precisely why Murtha and Effin' should never be allowed to run the country.
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