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CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (May 5, 2008) - Local government officials
visited tribal leaders of Qarghuli to discuss a number of issues
May 3.
"The government representatives approached us to speak of our
concerns," said Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, who held the meeting in
his home. "This is out of the ordinary. We are usually the ones
going to them about our concerns and issues."
Rakkasan leadership of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st
Airborne Division (Air Assault), attended the meeting but only to
observe.
"It's rare for me to come to a meeting and not have to mediate,
but I didn't have to do that today," said Col. Dominic Caraccilo,
commander of 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT). "That just goes to
show that the government cares about its people and is taking the
steps to move forward in the right direction."
Many concerns were raised during the meeting, such as the
farmers market, which recently reopened in Yusifiyah.
"As a leader for the Yusifiyah Nahia, it is my job to make sure
that my people's concerns are known, and that steps are being taken
to help those concerns," said Sheikh Somar Abd'al'amer Kother Hamdi
al-Anbari, Yusifiyah Nahia director. The town of Qarghuli falls
under the government jurisdiction of Yusifiyah.
Abdullah said government officials came during a time of
stability in Yusifiyah, which can be attributed to the combined
security presence of Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and Coalition
forces.
"Yusifiyah has become a symbol for Iraq as to how multiple
tribes can coexist with one another without having to worry about
violence," Somar said.
He added that months ago things were much different, with
violence in the area at a peak. The nahia is coming together, Somar
said, in ways many could have never expected.
"Now that good is being shown on a regular basis, it has become
a convenience to work hand in hand with the government," Abdullah
said.
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