I was there for the Sahara (Awakening) movement, where the US Government led the Shi’ite Government into outreach/reconciliation with the Sunni Tribes. Yes, they were brought into the Government’s Security forces with salary and small arms, but never to the degree that Shia militias are today, with tanks and APCs. When al Queda conquered those areas, Sahara leaders were swiftly rounded up and executed, using careful led researched lists.
They were brought in. That’s my point. Brought in and used in combat to lower our body counts. Just like Blackwater and the other mercenary outfits, just like Putin is doing. It’s an old trick, we did it in Viet Nam. If the people aren’t behind your war, and are paying attention to the body count, spread the bodies to areas where they don’t count.