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BALAD, Iraq (June 11, 2008) - Since May 22, a total of 506
insurgents in the Balad area have reconciled with the Iraqi
government, choosing a different path for their lives.
Operation Balad Musalahah is a combined effort between the
Qadah-level Government of Iraq, the leadership of the Iraqi Police,
the 4th Iraqi Army Division, and the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
The ongoing effort has encouraged tribal leaders and locals with
significant influence to promote unity within the once beleaguered
area. The process seeks to reintegrate those who have felt
marginalized back into the maturing governance process here,
according to Lt. Col. Bob McCarthy, 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry
Regiment commander.
"Former fighters in the Balad Qadah have stepped forward to
reconcile with their fellow countrymen," McCarthy said. "This is a
key step in reestablishing their ties to the communities, rejoining
their families in their homes and becoming active participants in
Iraq's future."
Resolving to enter into a cease-fire agreement for the good of
the Qadah and the province, former fighters have led Iraqi and
Coalition forces to various weapons caches scattered in the
area.
Assorted rockets, artillery rounds, rocket propelled grenade
launchers, mortar rounds, rifles and ammunition have been
relinquished, making the streets of Balad that much safer for Iraqi
citizens. The seized weapons are typically destroyed by explosive
ordnance disposal teams.
Those who choose to reconcile must sign a cease-fire agreement,
and if they face criminal charges, they must stand before the Iraqi
court system before being fully reintegrated into civil
society.
Out of the 506 who reconciled, 160 Iraqis have had court dates
set with several having been found to be not guilty of the charges
they faced.
For many Iraqis, seeing that the justice system is fair and
equitable is the biggest win, said Maj. Timothy Brumfield, the 1st
Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment executive officer.
"The reconciliation process is a great start for those who have
been reluctant to approach Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces and
have been increasingly isolated from Iraqi society," said Maj.
Ramiro Salazar, operations officer for the 1st Squadron, 32nd
Cavalry Regiment. "Iraqi citizens will feel safer knowing that this
process is working to improve their lives."
"The mass reconciliation here marks a turning point for the
Balad area, in terms of these men's realization that it is
impossible to further their cause by means of violence. Instead, as
we approach possible elections in the fall, they are choosing, as
one reconciliation leader called, 'the war of the purple fingers'
by embracing the power of the vote to advance their part in
democracy," said Maj. Johnpaul Arnold, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
101st Airborne Division spokesman.
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