‘They want to get in on the action,’ said Col. Kershaw. ‘We’ve had an important turnaround with local Sunni tribes who have left Al Qaida in Iraq (AQI) and joined the Iraqi Provincial Volunteer (IPV) program that my brigade originated and administers in this area. We support them in various ways so that they can protect their own villages’.
Whether the Shiite tribes want to organize their own volunteer units to work towards improved security in their areas, or want to counterbalance this new cooperation between the US and Sunnis, is an open question. The mission of these ‘volunteers’ is narrow and local; to protect the neighborhood with manned checkpoints outside of the village. They are not authorized to be on the main highways nor are they to interfere in any way with the neighboring villages.
‘We’ve had nearly twenty fatalities among the volunteers at this point’ said Col. Kershaw. ‘Two were double agents and the rest were accidental. They were where they weren’t supposed to be and were misidentified as insurgents. The only good thing to come out of that tragedy is that these volunteer units now know how serious a matter it is for them to operate within the limits of their areas of responsibility.’
Concerned Shiite Shieks of Mahmudiyah listening to Col Mike Kershaw and Gen Ali.
While meeting with Gen. Ali and Col. Kershaw, the Shieks were quite vocal and forceful voicing their concerns about being left out of this chance to partner with the Americans. They may have legitimate worries about these Sunni tribes who seemingly are cozying up to the Americans who have the power and money. The Americans are left in the uncomfortable position of being seen as supporting both factions who very often take up arms against each other.
Local Shiite Shieks leaving the meeting at the Iraqi Compound in Mahmudiyah, Iraq.
Another likely possibility is the fact that all factions in Iraq know the US is leaving sometime. So why not try and get along with them for the time being, and jockey for real political power when they’re gone. Recent reports in Al Jeezera indicate that various tribes and other power groups are linking up together for broader based political power and visibility in preparation for that day. It has always been traditional in the Arab world for tribes to switch sides whenever the sand looks browner across the dunes.
‘They remind me of a saying from the heyday of the British Empire’, said the 2nd Brigade’s Command Sgt. Major Anthony Mahoney. ‘We do not have permanent friends, only permanent interests.
While the formation of these ‘concerned citizen’ groups might inspire positive feelings towards the Americans, they in no way are improving the image of the present Iraqi National Government. Prime Minister Al Malki is dead set against these arrangements. He sees the US as arming his potential Sunni enemies; and there have already been numerous conflicts among various Shiite militias themselves.
At the end of the day no decisions were made regarding the requests of the area Shiite Sheiks. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team has made huge gains with pacification in its area of operations during their presence here in Iraq. More time might be needed before a final decision is made on the Shiek’s request.
Col. Kershaw and his Interpreter sharing cookies and candy with Iraqi children outside of Mahmudiyah, Iraq
When asked the next morning if he had made up his mind on whether it would be wise, worthwhile or constructive to begin forming up volunteer units with the Shiites, Col. Kershaw said., ‘No, not yet…not yet.
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