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Stryker Brigade Soldiers convene with Iraqi Army, Police and tribal leaders

Aug-25-2007 » Filed Under: 4/2 SBCT

Multi-National Division – North PAO

RASHIDIYA, Iraq – Leaders from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division met with leaders of the Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army and local tribal leaders to promote peace and stability in the brigade’s area of operations Aug. 24. The meeting, which included an elaborate meal of both American and Iraqi food, was held at Sheik Mohan Sajer Fahd Al-Fayahd’s home in Rashidiya, Iraq.

“This meeting really means a lot to me,” Al-Fayahd said through a translator. “We are here to promote friendship and brotherhood. I hope in the future that Iraq is secure enough to where you guys can come and visit me as a civilian. I want to show people that if we work together, we can improve the security situation.”

Lt. Col. John Drago, commander, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, was one of approximately 40 Soldiers who attended the luncheon. Drago praised Al-Fayahd’s stand against sectarian violence.

“He’s a well respected guy with a lot of influence, and he is doing everything in his power to help coalition forces and Iraqi security forces establish security in the area,” Drago said of Al-Fayahd. “He is Shia, but he is an Iraqi first. What’s important is that we all work together, and in my personal opinion he is very supportive of that endstate.”

Along with Al-Fayahd, approximately 20 other local tribal leaders attended the event, including Sheik Ali Faysal Fahd, Rashidiya city administrator.

“This meeting is to make our relationship strong,” Fahd said through a translator. “The most important thing is to work together and deny the terrorists. We want a long term relationship with the United States. It’s good for us. It’s good for Iraq.”

Also in attendance were 20 Iraqi Army and 20 Iraqi Police leaders.

“It’s encouraging to see these groups working together,” Drago said. “In this area, we have a good relationship with our Iraqi security partners and tribal leaders; although there are still problems, this group works together to solve them collectively.”


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