Local leaders unite to discuss issues

Photo By Spc. Timothy Tamburello | Muhammad Khalif Hassan a member of the National Parliament states that it's time to step up. Courtesy photo.  

QUYYARAH, IRAQ

05.02.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

QUYYARAH, Iraq - After years of not being able to ask for help, local leaders are now able to voice their concerns and issues at Area Security Council meetings.

These town hall type meetings, held monthly in Mahkmur, Al Hadr and Qayyarrah, give local leaders the chance to bring their issues to the people who can solve them.

"Iraqi's are the one's who are running the country, so now the people can interact with their own government," said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Arneson, Task Force 4-11, 4th Battalion 11th Field Artillery, who recently attended a meeting.

Each meeting usually focuses on a particular topic. Therefore, each month a subject matter expert or official is brought in to deal with the matter at hand.

"The leaders choose the topics which can range from security concerns to fertilizer," said Arneson.

On April 26, Brig. Gen. Ali, commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army hosted an Area Security Council at the Star Palace in Qayyarah.

In attendance at the meeting were one hundred sheiks, muhktars and other local leaders who met to discuss security and governance issues.

Along with other topics, the meeting mainly focused on how the local populace must continue to help Iraqi security forces rid the country of terrorists.

"Coalition forces have done excellent work for Iraq, but it's time that we act as brothers and work for a common goal," said Muhammad Khalif Hassan, a Qayyarah resident and national parliament member.

Many of the local leaders also spoke out against recent terrorist attacks stating that murderers and suicide bombers do not follow the Islamic faith.

Ali held this meeting in order to unite the local leaders and emphasize to them that they held great responsibility in ensuring that their people were helping Iraqi security forces fight terrorism.

• Date Taken: 05.02.2006
• Date Posted: 05.02.2006 09:30
• Story ID: 6210
• Location: QUYYARAH, IQ