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8th Monthly Regional Security Council Meeting

Jul-10-2005 » Filed Under: 1/25 SBCT

By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID

FOB ENDURANCE, Iraq – Dan Terrell of IAP and Loren Stoddard of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were the distinguished speakers for this month’s Regional Security Council meeting. The meeting, taking place on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Endurance on June 28th, gathered together over 300 key leaders of Ninewah Province and Mosul.

Brig. Gen. Ali Atala Malowh, 1/3rd Iraqi Army (IA) Battalion Commander, and Lt. Col. Bradley Becker, Task Force (TF) Automatic Commander, opened the meeting with a welcome speech and a short video. The video demonstrated to those in attendance the great deal of progress Coalition and Iraqi forces were making in local civil affairs projects.

Ali then discussed the upcoming March Against Terror. The march will be taking place just south of Mosul in the next few weeks. It will be conducted solely by Iraqi locals and secured by Iraqi Army and Police forces, with no Coalition forces present.

Next on the agenda were the distinguished speakers, Terrell and Stoddard. Terrell’s company hopes to begin major civil affairs projects in the Tigris River Valley. He explained to the local leaders what IAP had to offer.

“As you can see, we hire local Iraqis and train them. Please understand, however, that this takes time. You’ve done a great job of securing the area so that we can move in and assist you in building new roads, clinics and anything else you are in need of,” said Terrell.

Stoddard then gave an overview of USAID. “What we’ve found in other countries is a strong business structure will in turn help develop overall community health and education.”

“We notice you have a lot of business opportunities in your area, such as sheep, agriculture and tourism. We are especially interested in developing the wool business in your country.”

He then introduced the local leaders to his agency’s Matching Grant programs. Whatever the local Iraqi is willing to put into a project, USAID will match it. “It’s not about how much money the U.S. or my company puts into a potential business, but how much money everyone contributes.”

Stoddard then spoke of the upcoming Kurdistan Trade Show in September. “Over 250 companies from all over the world will be coming to Irbil to look for new ideas and business partners.” He recommended all try and attend this production. “In August, we hope to hold a Ninewah Trade Show right here in the Tigris River Valley.”

Each month’s Regional Security Council meeting involves more key leaders of the area. It is an opportunity for the local sheiks and mukhtars to come together and discuss concerns of their villages. The meeting also serves as a chance for Coalition and Iraqi forces to learn about what needs attention in our area of operation.


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