Reconciliation Happening in Iraq

Well, really, it’s been happening, just not on the front pages of the MSM.

I don’t know what people are expecting, a grand national conference where everyone agrees to put down all their difference, and then from that day forward they only work for the good of the nation as a whole, and not for partisan self interest.

What kind of dream-world is that? That isn’t even happening in America. They only thing different between our political squabbles here, and over there, is that violence isn’t a predominant method of persuasion.

The following is less exciting, and a lot less noticeable, but a whole lot more realistic of what we can expect. Faster please, faster…

The Tamimi and Jibouri tribes, the two largest tribes in Iraq’s Diyala province, met Oct. 24 to discuss the importance of reconciliation and signed a fellowship agreement stressing cooperation and friendship between the two tribes.

The top three Shia sheiks of the Tamimi tribe and the top two Sunni sheiks of the Jibouri tribe attended the meeting, which was hosted by Diyala’s governor, Ra’ad Hameed al-Mula Jowad al-Tamimi. Six additional prominent sheiks from throughout the province were in attendance as well to discuss how reconciliation has improved their tribal areas.

Ra’ad, opening the meeting, thanked the tribes for attending and encouraged the leaders to discuss solutions rather than lay blame and focus on past grievances.

“Today we have to figure out how to control the terrorists,” Ra’ad said. “How can we unite? How can we bring peace together?”

“The reconciliation that will have the most impact – not only in Diyala, but around the world – is the unity between the Tamimi and Jibouri tribes,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition forces in Diyala, as he explained the influence the two tribes have on countries outside of Iraq. “This is your opportunity to impact and affect the world.”

Great news, great news. But, it would seem these two tribes may be the low hanging fruit. Still, you have to start somewhere. And getting the process going with people more inclined to reconcile, let’s you build on success when you go after the tougher nuts of the bunch.

While the two tribes do not have serious issues dividing them, Sheik Aeman Kerhy al-Jibouri, a key tribal leader for the Jibouri tribe, acknowledged the fact that both tribes do have faults.

“There are corrupted people in both tribes,” Aeman said. “And even if they aren’t corrupted, they may be harboring terrorists. We (the tribes) have to stop the support for the corrupt.”

“We need to watch ourselves, look inside and control our men,” he said.

“We reject terrorism,” said Sheik Mazen Rashed Hamed Mula Jawad al-Tamimi, a paramount sheik in the Tamimi tribe who has been the primary leader for the reconciliation movement in Diyala. “It is a disease for the world.”