Jim Spiri in Iraq

After much inquiring, and a few phone calls up the chain of command, it was determined that bringing me along would be no problem. Bingo...! The little guy with the Nikon scoops the big boys one more time.

"I love it when a plan comes together!"

My escorts would be members of Charlie Troop, of 1/9 Cav. They too are out of Ft. Bliss. Recently they have been assigned to the border and have been all over the place in various locations in northern Iraq.

While awaiting for us to load up, and the ok for me to tag along, I found myself visiting with the soldiers and listening to country music on a set up that had an iPpod and speakers sitting on a humvee. Some of the guys were from New Mexico and we all were shooting the breeze talking story about Iraq. The mission they were on would be to provide security for the Col. and his group as they land at the Sheik's estate about a twenty minute drive from the post I am at currently.
Word came down that they were to mount up, right about the time I got the ok from above.

Driving out to the Sheik's home we passed by some meager businesses set up along side the road. It was like little make-shift shacks that seem to sprout up along any border town all over the world. Soon the road led to rural areas and farm land. I peered out the window of the Humvee and could see lots of herds of sheep being directed by folks on donkeys and small horses.

There were fields galore of sunflowers that had thrived and were past their prime. I could see that this area also produces grain, but this time of year, all is brown. We drove for awhile, made a few turns here and there, and eventually I could see a mansion of sorts in the distance, lined with trees and spread over a large area. This would be Sheik Abdullah's home. It is far out in the farming land and for the first time since coming to Iraq, I saw massive irrigation sprinklers set up. I also had seen fairly nice concrete irrigation canals and I was soon to learn that Sheik Abdullah is a massive land holder and derives a fair bit of his income from agriculture.
He also provides employment for many, many people in his tribe.

The two Blackhawk helicopters could be heard in the distance and made one pass circling the LZ. Then they landed. Out stepped Col. Twitty and all his group, and made their way to the entrance of the home of Sheik Abdullah, where I was standing along with some soldiers of 1/9 Cav. Sheik Abdullah's son was there to greet Col. Twitty, and we then were all escorted into the home of Sheik Abdullah. It is a nice place and perhaps, one of the nicest I've seen in Iraq. We were taken to a room where gatherings of this sort are held, and shortly thereafter, Sheik Abdullah entered the room.

He is a tall man, large in stature, and well groomed.

He was dressed in local cultural attire and greeted everyone quite cordially and respectfully. The room was elagant, and he has nice paintings on the walls.

I was very comfortable in this home and I took a seat towards the back as I began to observe with all attentiveness a meeting of two very sophisticated men.

Col. Twitty and Sheik Abdullah.

Sheik Abdullah spoke English fairly well, yet a very competent translator was brought along by the Col. The dialogue proceeded. There was another person in attendance participating in the conversation. He told me his name was Muhammad Al-Sabari. He is from Iraq, lives in Sweden currently, and is a person who strikes me as a politician, however is not in any official capacity that I am aware of at the moment.

The conversations were fascinating from my vantage point. As I listened to the US Army Col. and the Sheik of the Al-Shamarri tribe speak with one another, I was in awe in this room where discussions center on the future of Iraq. Most things mentioned during this meeting came back to a point that the current government in Baghdad is weak and unable to fulfill on many promises and issues facing the people of Iraq.

Mr. Al Sabari brought up mention of mistakes that were made in the past few years. Sheik Abdullah mentioned that the "citizens" of Iraq, which a large number of them in northern Iraq are members of his tribe, want employment, basic necessities, and health care after such a long time of war. He said that the poorer people take the money from the terrorists (and he mentioned the amount of $600 US) to plant bombs because they have to survive.

Time and time again the mention of a weak government in Baghdad was brought up. The Sheik also mentioned with great concern the matter of Kurdish people in Mosul perhaps not wanting provincial elections at this time. He said that sometimes they want to be Kurdish, and at other times they want to be Iraqi. This clearly bothered the Sheik.

At this point, Col. Twitty stepped in. As he spoke, I listened ever so closely, not just to what he was saying, but how, as a warrior-diplomat, he emphasized one major point. He brought out that the Sunnis should never have boycotted the last election. He strongly mentioned that the need for provincial elections in Ninevah province be held as soon as possible and that this time, Sunni's must actively participate and enter into this democratic unification of Iraq. The Sheik agreed emphatically.

More conversation was brought out about the divisions between Shia, Kurd and Sunni. Once again, Col. Twitty, emphasized with all diligence, the matters before them all must be dealt with from an Iraqi solution rather than a sectarian solution. Again, as he spoke it was clear to me how strongly he was trying to get his point across in the home of Sheik Abdullah.

Mr. Al Sabari had brought in many points as would any politician, yet it was Col. Twitty who showed the clear path. And the Sheik again agreed. At one point during the discussions, it was evident that such a solution is difficult. But once again, Col. Twitty took the floor, in a mild mannered fashion but with a look of sincerity that commanded all present to listen.

As the translator listened, Col. Twitty spoke. He used himself as an example and gave a history lesson in the home of Sheik Abdullah, a Sunni, while Mr.Al-Sabari, a Shia, litened. The translator translated in perfect fashion. The Col. made mention of the struggle in years past in America dealing with the civil rights movement. He said, as a black American, he can testify that the struggle was difficult, but the solution comes only from the nation being one, and the culture being secondary.

At that very moment, I found myself in awe, listening to an American colonel, who is assigned to Ninevah province in Iraq, who also happens to be black, educate men of high stature in Iraq, how to overcome this immense struggle that has led to what we know as sectarian violence. He chastised Mr. Al-Sabari in regards to the government in Baghdad, for being weak and not mending the fences that have caused such divisions. Again, Col. Twitty emphasized that the solution must be a one-Iraqi solution, nothing less.

He told those present, that he has three years invested in this country on deployments, and his current deployment has four months left. He is frustrated and wants to see the solution be brought forth front and center. He again said, it must be from a one-Iraq point of view, not sectarian.

Somewhere along the lines of the discussion, a note was passed to Col. Twitty from one of his men. Col. Twitty, who had just spoken, now spoke more somberly.

Three of his men under his command, were just killed in another city in Ninevah province. He kept his composure, yet it was surely a moment that all present felt. Sheik Abdullah sincerely offered his condolences and mentioned that we must find this path to peace. He told of many members of his tribe that he has buried, even recently. Mr. Al-Sabari was silent.

Soon the Sheik suggested that now would be a good time for lunch. Some discussions continued as Sheik Abdullah directed his son to have the staff prepare for all present to have lunch. He (the Sheik) motioned to me and asked me to please attend. I readily accepted and thanked him. We were all directed to the next room where a very long table was set with the utmost perfection.

The food present was enough for an entire Army, and as we sat down to partake I was once again pondering how my day had turned out. The food was very, very good, and had many things I could only describe as beautiful to see and even better to taste. I watched as the Sheik spoke to all at the table, and the young officers around me were surely intrigued at the feast.

Eventually, lunch was finished and the meeting would be over soon. I found my way to another room where I awaited as departing conversations between the Col.and the Sheik took place. I had seen much, heard much, and eaten too much.

As we all walked out the pathway, handshakes and farewell greetings were exchanged. The Col. and his men walked briskly to their awaiting helicopters, boarded, and then departed. Soon, the remaining security force from Charlie Troop mounted up in their Humvees and we headed back to COP Heider. The mission was nearly complete.

As we made the way back to post, I once again glanced out the window of the Humvee and looked as sheep dotted the landscape as well as workers in tents all over the land. These would be members of Sheik Abdullah's tribe.

Today I witnessed much. There is a need for provincial elections in Ninevah province to take place. At one point during the discussions, I asked a question of the Col. and the Sheik. I was permitted to speak. I began by firstly thanking the Sheik for allowing me to come to his home. I then looked at Col. Twitty and spoke to the all.

I said, "I too have nearly three years invested in this country. And my wife has spent time here as well working to support the mission. And I have a son that is here currently who has been here before. I know what it is like to lose a loved one, and I do not want to lose a son in war." I asked the Sheik, "when do you want to have provincial elections here in Ninevah?" He told me, "as soon as possible". During the discussions of this day in the Sheik's home, it was brought out by all those speaking, that Iran and others do not want elections or peace for that matter. All parties agreed that this is the case.

The Col. later told me that Sheik Abdullah has been very helpful in cooperating with him in the reduction of violence in Ninevah province. I was allowed to attend this meeting, because I come from a place where many struggles in many forms, resulted in freedom. I listened to a warrior named Col. Twitty, who struggled for freedom at home, and now is struggling to bring freedom abroad.

It was an honor to be a guest today, not just in Sheik Abdullah's home, but to be present and hear Col. Twitty struggle for peace.

I am most blessed.

Jim Spiri
COP Heider, Iraq
jimspiri@yahoo.com