Beyond Reconciliation: Developing Faith, Hope, Trust, And Unity In Iraq
Abstract
As the U.S. military begins its drawdown in Iraq, how we transition out of the country is just as important, if not more important, than how we entered in 2003. If Iraq is to become a legitimate democracy, our long-term ally, and a beacon of hope and prosperity in the Middle East, it is critical that we exit Iraq in a manner that supports these strategic goals. While much progress has been made since 2006 to reconcile various divides (ethnic, political, economic, and social), Iraq still has much work ahead toward becoming a unified state. This article discusses the efforts of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 10th Mountain Division, to help the leaders of eastern Baghdad and the Mada' in Qada region to develop a forum where influential leaders from all sectors of the community (religious, governmental nongovernmental, tribal, and security) can meet to discuss practical solutions to various challenges and problems. This includes theoretical and conceptual development of the problem and the selected course of action as well as discussion of how the forum was established and lessons learned from the process. It also describes how the BCT integrated various staff and enablers such as the Human Terrain Team (HTT), Information Operations Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), Operations Planning Group and subordinate units in developing an itihad (unity) strategy for the BCT.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA538866
Entities
People
- Anthony Swalhah
- David A. B. Miller
- Michael Davey
- Nathan Minami