Photo By Sgt. Philip Klein | Lt. Col. Yeayah, a battalion commander in the 11th Iraqi Army Division, speaks to the...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Philip Klein
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD – Sheiks from the Thawra 1 and Thawra 2 neighborhoods of the Sadr City district of Baghdad gathered at the 11th Iraqi Army Division Headquarters at Combat Outpost Old MOD June 21 to lay the framework for establishing the district's first tribal support council.
In attendance were representatives of the Iraqi government, the Iraqi army, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, district council members and leadership from the neighborhoods of Sadr City.
The meeting is designed for local neighborhood leaders to get together and discuss ways in which they can work with the Government of Iraq, the Iraqi army and MND-B Soldiers to best improve the lives of the citizens.
Lt. Col. Peter Pierce, the human terrain leader, who advises the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division leadership on cultural and political issues said the brigade commander, Col. John Hort called for the weekly meetings to help the tribal leaders of Sadr City partner with the IA, MND-B and representatives from the Iraqi government, to involve all parties in the reconstruction and revitalization of the Sadr City district.
The most important issues are the needs of the Iraqi people such as employment and electricity.
"The work we are doing right now is the work that needs to be done. We recognize the electrical problems, and are moving to address these problems," said Hort. "The emplacement of electrical generators is a first step and by the end of July we hope to have generators in all of the muhallahs up to the t-wall barrier," he said referring to the security wall along the Jamilla and Al Quds Road completed in April.
Solar lights are also scheduled to be placed in the Jamilla Market as well as road improvements to the area which will allow more goods to enter and exit the important market area said Hort, a native of Fayetteville, N.C.
"We are also planning to place another Iraqi assistance center along the t-wall barrier to serve those Iraqi citizens living north of the wall," said Hort.
Hort also discussed the expansion of the Neighborhood Guard program, sewage repair, sanitation cleanup, general maintenance and the construction and repair of sports and recreation centers.
Iraqi Lt. Col. Yeayah Rasoul Abdallah al Zubadie, commander, 3rd Battalion, 42nd Brigade,11th Iraqi Army Division, spoke passionately to the gathered leaders of Sadr City saying that the Iraqi army was in Sadr City to fight criminals and lawbreakers, as well as to help the Iraqi people with rebuilding their community and their lives.
"I am here to serve the people of Iraq, but the Sheiks and community leaders here today, with the help of the government, the IA and friendly forces have a chance to make a difference for their people," said Yeayah.
"It is time to forget the past and turn a new page and begin to work with the government, friendly forces, the IA and have a fresh start for our people who have lived without for too long," said neighborhood Sheik Safi Jaber Ali al-Dubi.
"We are thankful for a reduction in the violence but now it is time to take back our city from the lawbreakers and criminals," said al-Dubi. "It has to be our city again; a real city, with real people, decent citizens with a decent life."
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.22.2008 16:31 |
| Story ID: | 20761 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 322 |
| Downloads: | 264 |
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