TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

U.S. Transfers Regional Control Of Sons Of Iraq

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

Published: January 5, 2009

BAQOUBA, Iraq - The U.S. military in a turbulent province northeast of Baghdad handed over control on Sunday of the Sons of Iraq, a predominantly Sunni group of former insurgents and tribesmen whose revolt against al-Qaida in Iraq significantly boosted security here.

U.S. and Iraqi officials hailed the transfer in Diyala province as a step toward reconciliation.

Some group members at the handover ceremony in the Iraqi portion of a large military base were wary, however, saying they feared control by the Shiite-led Iraqi government could put them in jeopardy.

The Sons of Iraq movement began in Anbar province west of Baghdad in 2006 when its leaders became dismayed by al-Qaida in Iraq's brutality and religious zealotry and apparently by the amount of foreign influence in the group. The revolt later spread to other regions.

The United States paid the group's estimated 90,000 members nationwide about $300 a month. Eventually, the members are to either be integrated into the Iraqi military and police or provided civilian jobs and vocational training.

Under the phased handover, which began last year in Baghdad, Iraqi authorities will continue that pay and education strategy.

Last year, Iraqi authorities demanded the handover in Diyala take place in January, despite U.S. concerns that the date was too early for a province with an explosive mix of Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds.

The government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been suspicious that the Sons of Iraq is a ploy by Sunni insurgents to gain time and money to regroup.

Nonetheless, officials at the handover ceremony 35 miles north of Baghdad portrayed the change as positive.

In the audience, two local Sons of Iraq leaders were skeptical.

"This is all just false talk, empty talk. There is no reconciliation," said Abu Ali, complaining that both he and colleague Abu Taleb had arrest warrants for terrorism hanging over their heads. They were concerned the warrants would be executed now that Iraqi authorities were taking over.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT