Posted on 02/25/2008 4:37:37 PM PST by SandRat
BAGHDAD — Leaders from the Old Adhamiya neighborhood in Baghdad met with Iraqi Army Soldiers Feb. 18, to agree upon leaders and committee members for the Tribal Support Council.
Sheikh Amar Amid Al Azawi was elected chairman; Sheikh Abdu Khadir Al Dulaimi and Abu Abid were elected as vice chairmen. Abid is a prominent ‘Sons of Iraq’ (SoI) leader in the area.
SoI is a volunteer security group formally known as the Concerned Local Citizens. The group mans check points, conducts security patrols, and helps Coalition and Iraqi security forces identify terrorists and find their weapon caches.
The council members also determined who would serve on various council committees including the arbitration, reconciliation, security, sports and youth activities, essential services and education.
Maj. Darryl Perry attended the meeting and will be working with the council as a civil affairs officer with the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division.
This tribal support council is modeled after similar ones initially established in Anbar province. The council is to provide local governance in accordance with Iraqi customs, said Perry, a Baltimore native, who serves as a civil affairs team leader with Civil Affair Team A 5025, 450th Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
“It’s another form of government based upon traditions where the sheikh was in charge,” he added.
The Iraqi Army and Coalition forces worked together to determine who would be nominated for the council leadership positions and committees.
“We used everybody’s expertise and knowledge to figure out where they could be the most useful,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Broadwater, a Radcliff, Ky., native, who serves as the commander for the 3rd Sqdrn., 7th CAV.
One factor enabling the formation of the Adhamiya Tribal Support Council is the improved security situation. The safety provided by the Iraqi Army, SoI and Coalition forces has contributed to the neighborhood citizens’ ability to work together.
“The level of attacks has decreased, increasing security and giving (the people of Adhamiya) freedom of movement within their neighborhood to talk to one another,” said Broadwater. “They feel less threatened to voice their opinions.”
The council is a method of capitalizing on the momentum and hope a more secure environment has brought forth.
“It’s people within (the Adhamiya) area wanting to make a positive difference,” Broadwater said.
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