21 locals reconcile in Hawijah City

Courtesy Photo | A local national gets his picture taken with his name as coalition forces, with their Iraqi counterparts, start a profile on him during a reconciliation that was held at Forward Operating Base McHenry, in Kirkuk province, Iraq, on Dec. 13, 2008. During the process, each local will be under probation for 90 days before being fully considered reconcilable for the Government of Iraq.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

01.11.2009

Story by Spc. Karla Elliott 

11th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Karla P. Elliott
11th Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – The morning was cool and crisp, yet full of hope for local nationals dwelling in the city of Hawijah and its surrounding villages. That day, some would have the opportunity to clean and clear their family's name from the Iraqi security forces and coalition forces sought-after list.

The Iraqi army and Iraqi police, in conjunction with their CF counterparts, conducted a reconciliation at Forward Operating Base McHenry in Kirkuk province on Dec. 13, 2008.

"The reconciliation process is where Iraqis, who have committed insurgent attacks in the past either against coalition forces or Iraqis, come in and reconcile by swearing allegiance to the Government of Iraq," said Capt. Chad Cunningham, the officer-in-charge of the fire and effects cell, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, attached to the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

After the initial reconciliation, applicants go through a 90-day probation period. Subsequently, government officials, IA, IP and their CF counterparts meet and decide whether or not all the people are reconcilable to the Iraqi government.

The reconciliation program has been around before the 1st Bn., 67th Armor Regt. began assisting ISF with security in the area, and it has benefited the locals in many ways.

"[The program] is beneficial because it's getting insurgents off the streets legitimately and we don't have to go out and get them," Cunningham said.

Of the 21 locals who reconciled that day, 13 were brought in by Shaykh Razzaq, the Sidera Village Sons of Iraq leader.

Hussein Abraheim Hamnd, who was accused of housing terrorists, said that he came to reconcile because he takes a great interest in rebuilding Iraq and its democracy and to rid the area of terrorism.

"Coming into the reconciliation will help me clear my name and my family's name from the wanted list and help build Iraq for the new future," said Hamnd.

Another applicant, Abed Nijres Abdulla, did not know how he got on the sought-after list but he also came to clear his name and prove to the Iraqi government that he is faithful.

"The only thing I can think of that I did wrong was grow a beard!" he joked.

"I thank everybody who is here, the coalition forces and the Iraqi security forces, for their cooperation in bringing us here for the reconciliation," he continued.

All of the locals who reconciled that day were treated with respect and were trusted to be sincere.

"In the past, we have had a small number that reconciled and did go back to doing insurgent attacks, but until they do so, we consider them sincere," Cunningham said.

Reconciliations are done often with the goal of getting rid of terrorism in the cities and their surrounding areas. It also appears to bring out the best in the locals and give them a reason to work together.

"[Events like these] show a great deal about the local community," Cunningham said. "They're turning around and are willing to help us in order to enforce security in their areas."

• Date Taken: 01.11.2009
• Date Posted: 01.11.2009 12:51
• Story ID: 28722
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ