By Sgt. Zach Mott
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WAR EAGLE, Iraq – Adhamiyah is often pointed to as a marquee of success in a post-surge Iraq.
This northern Baghdad district was once so rampant with insurgents and various criminal elements that residents rarely left their homes and Multi-National Division – Baghdad led patrols were routine targets of deadly attacks.
Following the infamous surge, the district is an example of what a unified Iraq can become. Markets continue to thrive, businesses are booming and residents enjoyed one of the most peaceful summers in memory.
Now, with the transition of the Sons of Iraq program to Iraqi government control mere days away, the district again gives an example of what working together as one nation can accomplish.
More than 50 district, SoI and Iraqi army leaders gathered at Forward Operating Base War Eagle, Sept. 21, 2008, and mutually agreed that the program must continue if security is to be maintained in Adhamiyah.
Col. John Hort, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, hosted the event at FOB War Eagle, which is located on the bank of the Tigris River.
As the men talked and discussed the future of the program, many smoked, either nervously or out of habit. In the midst of the smoke-filled room, an agreement was made – but not until after the customary dialogue.
"It was a very good meeting. There was a problem between two guys, but it has been solved," said Hassan Mufar, an SoI leader in Adhamiyah.
The disagreement, which was of a personal nature and resulted in a heated exchange, was solved and the two sides agreed to work together for the sake of Adhamiyah's future.
Hort, a Fayetteville, N.C., native, helped the attendees keep their focus by reminding them of the reason they must work together and why they must succeed.
"We're doing this for him," Hort said, as he pointed to an Iraqi child, no more than 10, and asked him to stand.
"Let's make our job for the sake of the children. Let's give them peace and make sure everything is secured for their future," said Riyadh Hadi Muhsan, assistant commander for the Adhamiyah SoI.
The group agreed and the meeting quickly progressed to a vote and eventual agreement to continue the Sons of Iraq program under Iraqi army control.
"The Iraqi government said it is going to let us be in the Army, so we are going to be Soldiers," Hassan said.
That agreement will allow Adhamiyah to continue its upward trend and status as a symbol for Iraqi-led security and stability.
"What we focus on is the security issues, and we're going to step up and always care for the future of Iraq," Riyadh said.
| Date Taken: |
09.22.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
09.22.2008 14:59 |
| Story ID: |
24002 |
| Location: |
BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: |
255 |
| Downloads: |
214 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Meeting helps establish future of Adhamiyah Sons of Iraq, by SSG Zachary Mott, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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