Detainees released during Ramadan

Photo By Sgt. Johnnie French | Sheik Ali Omran Al Shimari leads a group of detainees away from Forward Operating Base Kalsu. In the background, Maj. Rick Williams of the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division says good-bye to one of the policemen who attended the release ceremony.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

10.15.2007

Story by Sgt. Johnnie French 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. J.H. French
4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers released 20 detainees from the detention facility at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Oct. 11, to observe the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Paratroopers from the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, released the men to leaders from the local community in order to observe and celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

"The end of Ramadan is called Eid al-Fitr. It is a time to overcome differences and show forgiveness and mercy," said Maj. Rick Williams, the information operations officer for the brigade. "It was in keeping with this tradition that we released these men."

The men had been convicted of crimes ranging from planting roadside bombs to constructing suicide car bombs.

Traditionally, Iraq conducts prisoner releases during this time; the custom predates the former regime.

"This is a very important religious occasion for us. It is one of our honored traditions. It signals the end of bad blood between tribes. Everyone begins to put their differences aside," said Sheik Mahdi Nasr Al Faisal Al Johaishi. "This is the time we begin working together for a better future. With this prisoner release, coalition forces are sharing in our traditions and our time of happiness."

Johaishi was one of a handful of men on hand at FOB Kalsu to accept the detainees and escort them back home to their families. In addition to being one of the local tribal leaders, Johaishi is one of North Babil's tribal leaders and head of the tribal security council.

"After many years, the coalition forces are finally working with the Sheikhs to help establish security," Johaishi continued. "They should definitely do more of this. If one of the men in my tribe is conducting illegal activities tell me and it will stop. I will take you to the men doing bad things and make sure no one else in my tribe follows in their footsteps."

The other tribal representative on hand for the release agreed with Johaishi.

"Coalition forces need to work directly with the tribes more often. The first level of any type of government is the tribes," said Hadi Ali Husein Al Dolaimi. "No one wants a unified government more than us."

Dolaimi was present at the detainee release on behalf of several different tribes in the North Babil region. He was the representative for not only several Shia tribes but also numerous Sunni tribes as well.

"We are against dividing Iraq," Dolaimi continued. "We are fighting the Iranian influence in our areas. We want to work with everyone, all the tribes of North Babil, to achieve peace."

Sheik Ali Omran Al Shimari, was also at the detainee release. Wearing a three-piece suit, the sheik stood out not only because of his attire, but for the respect he garnered from the other sheiks in attendance. Along with Johaishi, Sheik Shimari is one of the most influential and respected men in North Babil.

"I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to the coalition for this detainee release. Eid is always a time of happiness and celebration, but the happiness will be double this year," said Shimari. "Not only will families celebrate Eid al-Fitr, but this year they can celebrate their sons' return home."

"It is very respectful of the coalition forces," he continued. "We appreciate their efforts to understand our religion and show respect for our customs. This only solidifies the relationship we have built together over the past year."

• Date Taken: 10.15.2007
• Date Posted: 10.15.2007 08:28
• Story ID: 12979
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ