Part of my job in Iraq is to engage the media on what is happening here. I have a good working relationship with many papers and media outlets. Most papers want to get the story right. But every now and then, there is a writer with an axe to grind. When they get the story "wrong" my job then is to do a "push-back", to let the journalist know they misquoted me or to tell them they totally misrepresented the facts. We always get a response, though not always positive. If they are not willing to write a correction, I then to write an article for that paper so we can get our side of the story to the same group of readers. Here is my latest effort.
If you are looking for a good exit plan from Iraq, looking for stability in the region, or want to see our soldiers come home sooner, groups like the Sons of Iraq are making these things happen.
I am John Hall, an American Soldier in Baghdad, Iraq and I would like to give you a different view of the "Sons of Iraq" than the one presented in the “U.S.-backed Sons of Iraq militia poses problem,” that was printed in the San Francisco Chronicle.
The Sons of Iraq are exactly what the American public has expected from the citizens of Iraq. For years we have looked for the Iraqis to stand up and take back their neighborhoods. With the Sons of Iraq, this has happened. This is over 100,000 men dedicated to protecting their communities from terrorists and criminals.
In Iraq, “toughness” is respected. This is not a land of weakness; this is a land where you earn respect, and out of that respect comes loyalty. The Iraqi Security Forces, along with Coalition forces, have demonstrated their toughness day after day here in Iraq. As a result, the tough citizens of this land desire to join in the progress Iraqi and Coalition forces have built. This is why the Sons of Iraq have and will continue to succeed.
Out of this harsh description comes a group of men who realize the new Government of Iraq is the path to stability and hope for their families. This is something any person would be willing to fight to have. So the streets of Iraq are being cleaned up just as has happened in many urban areas of America. Concerned citizens are willing to take ownership of their neighborhoods and are turning the outlaws in to the authorities.
Critics may point out that some of these men may have fought against the Coalition. That is significant because it shows we are able to attract those who were most opposed to us just a few years ago. We must be willing to sit down with those we have been fighting, bringing about a reconciliation that will lead to ultimate peace. Beyond popular belief, we don't win wars by killing all of our enemies, we win wars by convincing them peace is a desirable outcome.
Now, these same people are willing to risk their lives to uphold and advance the progress that is being made. Security is the first step, but security must be maintained through a stable economy.
The Sons of Iraq are also a part of a program to develop the economy across Iraq. As a part of the Government of Iraq National Reintegration Program, these men are gaining vocational and business education.
The initiative allows for roughly 20 percent of the individuals to become integrated into the Iraqi Army or the State Police. The remaining 80 percent are provided skill training and education to bring skills and jobs development to their communities. It is the objective to have them to be positive contributors to their community.
Some of these men are accepted into the Iraqi Army or police. Some simply are not interested in the military or the police and wish to develop their villages. They choose to use the training they have gained to open businesses or to get a job. They are pleased with the fact they have pushed the criminal elements from their neighborhoods and now are ready to build on the safety they have helped to create.
The plan is working. Iraq is the safest it has been since 2003. Stores are opening. People are safely visiting in their communities. There is a general sense of optimism.
If you are looking for a good exit plan from Iraq, looking for stability in the region, or want to see our soldiers come home sooner, groups like the Sons of Iraq are making these things happen.
I am John Hall, an American Soldier in Baghdad, Iraq and I would like to give you a different view of the "Sons of Iraq" than the one presented in the “U.S.-backed Sons of Iraq militia poses problem,” that was printed in the San Francisco Chronicle.
The Sons of Iraq are exactly what the American public has expected from the citizens of Iraq. For years we have looked for the Iraqis to stand up and take back their neighborhoods. With the Sons of Iraq, this has happened. This is over 100,000 men dedicated to protecting their communities from terrorists and criminals.
In Iraq, “toughness” is respected. This is not a land of weakness; this is a land where you earn respect, and out of that respect comes loyalty. The Iraqi Security Forces, along with Coalition forces, have demonstrated their toughness day after day here in Iraq. As a result, the tough citizens of this land desire to join in the progress Iraqi and Coalition forces have built. This is why the Sons of Iraq have and will continue to succeed.
Out of this harsh description comes a group of men who realize the new Government of Iraq is the path to stability and hope for their families. This is something any person would be willing to fight to have. So the streets of Iraq are being cleaned up just as has happened in many urban areas of America. Concerned citizens are willing to take ownership of their neighborhoods and are turning the outlaws in to the authorities.
Critics may point out that some of these men may have fought against the Coalition. That is significant because it shows we are able to attract those who were most opposed to us just a few years ago. We must be willing to sit down with those we have been fighting, bringing about a reconciliation that will lead to ultimate peace. Beyond popular belief, we don't win wars by killing all of our enemies, we win wars by convincing them peace is a desirable outcome.
Now, these same people are willing to risk their lives to uphold and advance the progress that is being made. Security is the first step, but security must be maintained through a stable economy.
The Sons of Iraq are also a part of a program to develop the economy across Iraq. As a part of the Government of Iraq National Reintegration Program, these men are gaining vocational and business education.
The initiative allows for roughly 20 percent of the individuals to become integrated into the Iraqi Army or the State Police. The remaining 80 percent are provided skill training and education to bring skills and jobs development to their communities. It is the objective to have them to be positive contributors to their community.
Some of these men are accepted into the Iraqi Army or police. Some simply are not interested in the military or the police and wish to develop their villages. They choose to use the training they have gained to open businesses or to get a job. They are pleased with the fact they have pushed the criminal elements from their neighborhoods and now are ready to build on the safety they have helped to create.
The plan is working. Iraq is the safest it has been since 2003. Stores are opening. People are safely visiting in their communities. There is a general sense of optimism.
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