Photo By Rick Rzepka | Iraqi men gather outside of the Balad Joint Security Station in Iraq, to enter into a...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Rick Rzepka
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
BALAD, Iraq – Since, May 22, 506 fighters in the Balad area have reconciled with the Iraqi government by turning themselves into Iraqi security forces.
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, said 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," said McCarthy.
"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," he said.
Resolving to enter into a ceasefire agreement for the good of the qadah and the province, former fighters have led coalition and Iraqi 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 chose 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 Brumfiel, 1-32 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."
Out of the more than 500 fighters who chose to reconcile, 160 will face charges in the Iraqi justice system.
"The mass reconciliation here marks a turning point for Balad area, in terms of these men's realization that it is impossible to further their cause by means of terror. Instead, as we approach elections in the fall, they are choosing to wage the war of the purple fingers by embracing the democratic process to advance their agenda," said Lt. Col. Thomas Hauerwas, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division executive officer.
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2008 11:53 |
| Story ID: | 20345 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 289 |
| Downloads: | 206 |
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