Setting the healing process in motion

MOSUL, IRAQ

09.18.2006

Story by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle 

138th Public Affairs Detachment

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by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle
138th MPAD

MOSUL, Iraq (September 18, 2006) –For the first time in Mosul, Iraq, the Mosul Provincial Council held a reconciliation meeting aimed at starting the healing process and bringing all the citizens of Iraq to unity.

The meeting was initiated at the suggestion of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki during a recent visit to Mosul. The meeting was attended by more than 200 representatives, which included community leaders from multiple political parties, and every ethno- religious group in the region.

The event began with an invocation and scriptural quotations sung by an Imam from one of Mosul's prominent mosques. Chairman Essa in which he referenced a directive from the PM for the council to initiate the reconciliation process made opening remarks.

"Reconciliation begins with each mans heart in each neighborhood, and it expands out from there," said Essa. "To alleviate suffering, understanding must be built between groups and this conference is the first step to that healing process."

Essa then quoted the Quaranic bible that appealed for unity among family, tribes, and race. He asked everyone attending the conference to remember, "We're all sons of Iraq."

According to Councilman Aref Qamber, head of the reconciliation special committee, this meeting was an application to a nation-wide initiative that will guide Iraq toward reconciliation. Various tribal, political and religious organizations are participating across Iraq. In order for the reconciliation to take hold in northern Iraq it must include a large cross section of Ninevah's population as possible.

"Those who fight against the people of Iraq and the nation's history will not succeed," stated Sheik Tareq Hamdoun, a prominent Sunni Imam. He then asked that figurative banners of brotherhood and reconciliation be held high for the benefit of life in this world and the next.

A leading Sheik of the prominent al-Jabourri tribe stated that a strong Army and police force, which distance them from sectarian hostility should be the bedrock of national security.

The Iraqi Army and police are taking shape and on track to take over responsibility from Coalition Forces. Human rights must be observed while conducting law enforcement and operations. Arrests can only be executed after the issuing of a warrant.

Ali Rhasho of the Yazidi Alliance took the podium for several minutes and told everyone present that the Yazidi's are moving forward, hand-in-hand with all segments of society.

"The foundation of a stable society is security and the heart of a just security system is a reliable, honest judiciary," he said.

At times the judiciary of Iraq refuses to punish terrorists for fear of retribution. The judiciary must take the necessary and proper action against criminals and terrorists.

The most contentious speaker at the meeting was retired Army Col. Sailim AL-Jabourri, Ayad Alawi's National Accord. He called for amnesty for all former Ba' ath regime members, re-employment of all Army officers, and the release of all detainees. Essa stepped in before he could finish his statement.

"No where in the PM's guidance on the reconciliation iniative does it state Ba' athists would be given amnesty," said Essa.

After a brief argument AL Jabourri stated that his opinion must be considered, and again Essa stepped in.

"Those individuals, who have blood on their hands, whether they killed Coalition Forces, or Iraqi's are not worthy of reconciliation," said Essa.

With the cooperation of all citizens, Iraq will slowly begin the healing process. In the near future Iraqi's hope the can live in peace with all their neighbors, no matter what political party or religious party they belong to.