CAMP RAMADI, Iraq — In Arabic, the word "shura" means consultation. In Al Anbar province, Iraq, governmental and tribal leaders are doing just that — consulting with one another and making decisions to improve life for the Anbari people.
Paramount sheikhs from tribes across the province came together during a sheikh shura at Camp Ramadi, June 24. The governor of Al Anbar province and the provincial council chairman were also in attendance, as well as the commanding general and deputy commanding general of Multi National Force - West, who provided views of provincial progress from the coalition force standpoint.
With the deadline for U.S. troops to move out of Iraqi cities occurring only six days after the shura, the governor asked the sheikhs to help preserve the current security and stability of the region. Most U.S. forces in Anbar have been out of the province's cities since November 2008.
"We are coming to an important and difficult stage in Anbar," said Gov. Qasim al-Fahadawi, through an interpreter. "We need your support. The government understands the sheikhs have an important place and authority among the people. Your words are powerful among the people."
The paramount sheikh of the albu-Fahad tribe was quick to answer the governor and voice his support for Iraqi security forces.
"I think the Security Agreement between Iraq and the U.S. is progressing forward," said Sheikh Khamis al-Fahadawi, through an interpreter. "We are all hopeful that the ISF are ready to take over. As sheikhs, we stand by and fiercely support the ISF."
Though the governor and provincial council chairman were due at another meeting and had to leave early, they agreed to hold more meetings with the sheikhs in the future.
"God willing, we will meet together again many times, because the government works for you — the people," said Qasim. "Government officials come and go, but the tribes will last forever."
Though the representatives of the Anbar government were gone, the sheikhs stayed to discuss important issues facing the province.
Topics included investment, reconstruction, basic services, farming and security, with sheikhs speaking in turn throughout the meeting.
The tribal leaders eventually decided the best way to help their people was to continue with many programs currently underway under the sponsorship of the province and coalition forces. Meeting as a tribal council is a powerful forum for the sheikhs to agree upon a common vision and speak with one voice.
"The sheikhs need to hold a meeting, and after we examine the issues and come to an agreement, we can filter our ideas down to the people," said Sheikh Mohammad Oda al-Ilyawi of the albu-Ali Jassim tribe, through an interpreter.
As the shura concluded, the sheikhs were already looking forward to coming together with provincial government leaders again to unify their visions for the sake of their people and a better future for Al Anbar province.