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Michael Yon: Former Insurgents Turn Allegiances
The amazing Michael Yon is back to give us an update on Operation Arrowhead Ripper.
Today marks D+30 since the start of Operation Arrowhead Ripper. The initial goal of Arrowhead Ripper was to clear Baqubah of al Qaeda, and then attempt to “jump start†the city back into civic life, which had all but ceased while the terrorists were in control. Though relatively minor clearing operations are still underway, there is little combat in the city.
Today Colonel Steve Townsend, the American commander of the 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, presided over a meeting with Iraqi Army officers and former insurgent leaders. The insurgent leaders who seem to be sincerely working toward peace are now collectively referred to as “the Baqubah Guardians.†I was allowed to attend the meeting, but was—understandably—not permitted to photograph or videotape the proceedings.
Colonel Townsend clarified the purpose of the meeting; it was not to formalize relations or to establish a chain of command, but to work out ways of cooperating to bring better days to Baqubah.
Did you get that? A meeting of Iraqi Army officers and “former insurgent leaders” who are now prepared to swear allegiance to the Iraqi constitution and to protect their town against Al Qaeda, among other things. I would call this “political reconciliation.”
The Surge is producing results not only in security but in the human dynamics that are vital to the stability of Iraq.
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