Local leaders meet to discuss issues affecting Baqubah

Photo By Sgt. Armando Monroig | The Mayor of Baqubah and other local leaders gather to discuss key issues that affect the city on Aug 2. It is the first time such a meeting was held and initiated completely by Iraqi leadership. About thirty leaders from the Iraqi army, Iraqi police, various neighborhoods and the U.S. Army attended the event.  

BAQUBAH, IRAQ

08.03.2007

Story by Sgt. Armando Monroig 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

By Sgt. Armando Monroig
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAQUBAH, Iraq – About 30 local leaders, including Mayor Abdullah, Iraqi army soldiers, Iraqi policemen and neighborhood leaders, participated in a town hall meeting in western Baqubah, Iraq, Aug. 2.

It is the first time such a meeting was held and initiated completely by Iraqi leadership in the city. Leaders from various Baqubah neighborhoods, called muktars, were present. U.S. commanders were also present.

The Iraqi leaders discussed key issues that affect the city's residents, such as the youth of Baqubah, availability of food and drinking water, civic services, security and unemployment.

One muqtar at the meeting said, "It was good to have this meeting because it allowed leaders to come together and discuss things that needed to be discussed."

Another muqtar brought up the issue of Baqubah's youth: "Why don't we get the youth involved with the IA or the IP?" he asked. "Don't let the youth sitting around doing nothing," he suggested because if they do they will be recruiting targets for al-Qaida.

"This was an incredible success in many ways," said Lt. Col. Fred Johnson, deputy commander for 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash. "This meeting was a success because the Iraqi army is here to support not only with security, but also by providing services to the citizens.

"(Lt. Col.) Smiley and I have been all over Iraq. I think he will agree with me that there's no better Iraqi force than the 5th Iraqi Army to provide services for the people," said Johnson. Smiley is the commander of 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, part of the Stryker brigade.

Johnson also commended Mayor Abdullah, saying that he is confident in the mayor's ability to address the concerns of the muqtars and ISF leaders.

Since July 29, humanitarian efforts in the city continued as well. IA and U.S. Soldiers have distributed 70,000 kg each of rice and flour since July 29 as part of Operation Arrowhead Ripper. This brings the total amount of staple foods distributed during the 44-day-old operation to 284,000 kg (approx 10,000 lbs) of rice and 285,000 kg (approx 10,000 pounds) of flour.

• Date Taken: 08.03.2007
• Date Posted: 08.03.2007 17:08
• Story ID: 11631
• Location: BAQUBAH, IQ