Posted on 10/16/2006 5:12:46 PM PDT by SandRat
“Iraq’s young government, though still in its infancy, is facing extremely complex ... issues that would cripple many mature nations,” Army Major General William Caldwell, coalition spokesman, told journalists at an October 9 press briefing in Baghdad, Iraq.
As predicted, terrorist bombings and sectarian murders and kidnappings have increased in the Iraqi capital while residents observe the holy month of Ramadan. The increased frequency and severity in neighborhoods unprotected by the government’s recent security plan, Caldwell said, highlights the need for an “Iraqi solution,” rooted in political and economic development rather than military strategy.
But first, Caldwell said, the Iraqi government recognizes it must move forward with its proposed National Reconciliation and Dialogue Project, a 2006 initiative aimed at bringing Iraq’s diverse communities together.
Caldwell reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki met Oct. 1 with political and religious leaders who signed a pledge to end sectarian violence in Baghdad by establishing new district committees tasked with monitoring and addressing Sunni-Shia violence in their communities.
On Oct. 7, Maliki met with ministerial officials and influential sheiks from al-Anbar province to develop and discuss solutions to the security and economic development challenges facing their region, second only to Baghdad in violent attacks. At the local level, Iraqi government and tribal officials across the country have met to consider ways to improve security.
Sunni and Shia religious leaders currently attending the Organization of the Islamic Conference in neighboring Saudi Arabia also are discussing the issue, Caldwell said, adding that later in October hundreds of Iraqis are meeting for the third of four national conferences at the heart of the national reconciliation initiative.“The most telling sign of progress toward reconciliation is that the leaders from diverse factions, with different interests, are working together and are communicating with each other,” the general said.
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