Friday, June 08, 2007

Al-Anbar Awakening

Ramadi, the capital of the Al-Anbar province, is known as a dangerous place for Soldiers and Marines. Al-Qaeda has claimed this province as their headquarters and staging ground for terrorist operations in Iraq. Like Falujah in 2005, the violence and destruction in Ramadi has been a current news topic since 2006. In September 2006, The Washington Post referenced a military document in a report on Al-Anbar: "The prospects for securing that country's western Anbar province are dim and. . . there is almost nothing the U.S. military can do to improve the political and social situation there. . . . There are no functioning Iraqi government institutions in Anbar, leaving a vacuum that has been filled by the insurgent group al-Qaeda in Iraq, which has become the province's most significant political force,. . . Another person familiar with the report said it describes Anbar as beyond repair; a third said it concludes that the United States has lost in Anbar."

When we learned last year that our brigade was deploying to Ramadi as part of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force there was a sobered reaction. It's always satisfying to know that you will be in the center of the fight where your skills and training are best put to use, but that normally means not everyone will return. This, of course, is the nature of our profession.

Late last year, the outgoing brigade began to court the support of Sheikhs (local tribal leaders) in an effort to thwart Al-Qaeda. We are continuing this strategy, and the Sheikhs are responding. In fact, this success in Al-Anbar is viewed by many as a viable model to be implemented in other parts of the country. Specifically, an otherwise middle-weight leader, Sheikh Sittar, is credited with forming the Sahawat Al-Anbar or National Awakening Council. He and other Sheikhs met with Iraqi President Nouri al-Maliki on March 13 in Ramadi. Although still too early to tell, I suspect he will one day be regarded as a modern-day patriot. A recent New York Times article describes Anbar as: "undergoing a surprising transformation. Violence is ebbing in many areas, shops and schools are reopening, police forces are growing and the insurgency appears to be in retreat." Still, the article balanced the optimism with caution: "Yet for all the indications of a heartening turnaround in Anbar, the situation, as it appeared during more than a week spent with American troops in Ramadi and Falluja in early April, is at best uneasy and fragile." Today, CNN highlighted Lt Gen Petraeus--Commander of US Forces in Iraq--in a report, saying: "What's taken place in Anbar is almost breathtaking." (For the entire report: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/06/07/petraeus.iraq/index.html )

From my relatively limited vantage point, I am witnessing this awakening--particularly in the western portion of our battalion's area of operations. LTC Silverman, my commander, continues to bring me with him to meet with Sheikh Heiss at the Jazirah Council Center--where he hosts meetings with the local religious leaders or Imams. The pictures I have included here are from our most recent visits with the imams.

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chaplain Kline,

Thank you for your service to our Country, and for this very enlightening story.

I've been closely following "The Awakening" and it's nice to hear about it from someone who is actually stationed there.

Hope to see more updates about how it's going on your blog.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://firgonbares.net/][img]http://firgonbares.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]office 97 software, [url=http://firgonbares.net/]crack for adobe acrobat pro 9[/url]
[url=http://firgonbares.net/][/url] buy cheap software discount buy to let software
coreldraw x3 graphics suite activation [url=http://firgonbares.net/]cheapest software anywhere reviews[/url] buying software
[url=http://firgonbares.net/]to sell oem software[/url] kaspersky anti-virus
[url=http://firgonbares.net/]education software discounts[/url] c store software
office software price [url=http://firgonbares.net/]buy dvd burner software[/b]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://murudobaros.net/][img]http://murudobaros.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]kaspersky serial, [url=http://murudobaros.net/]free order entry software[/url]
[url=http://murudobaros.net/]online order software[/url] how to uninstall windows vista student discounts on computer software
oem software illegal [url=http://murudobaros.net/]online store building software[/url] windows xp sp3
[url=http://murudobaros.net/]oem software wiki[/url] buy cheap software online
[url=http://murudobaros.net/]adobe acrobat 9 pro student pricing[/url] academic pricing on software
slipstream office 2003 service pack 3' [url=http://murudobaros.net/]hacked adobe acrobat 9 pro for mac os x[/b]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://vonmertoes.net/][img]http://bariossetos.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]acdsee key, [url=http://hopresovees.net/]nero linux[/url]
[url=http://vonmertoes.net/][/url] download adobe photoshop elements 5 for mac coreldraw maps
line software store [url=http://vonmertoes.net/]go buy software free dvd[/url] downloadable mobile software
[url=http://bariossetos.net/]acdsee 3.1 download[/url] software purchase by
[url=http://vonmertoes.net/]buy discontinued software[/url] free autocad tutorials
buy software packages [url=http://bariossetos.net/]autocad free[/b]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://hopresovees.net/][img]http://hopresovees.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]educational software for kids, [url=http://vonmertoes.net/]cheap discount software[/url]
[url=http://hopresovees.net/][/url] shop pro software 5 Pro Finale
the best software to buy [url=http://hopresovees.net/]academic discounts on software[/url] corel draw graphics suite x4 coreldraw manual
[url=http://vonmertoes.net/]jewellery store software[/url] microsoft reader software
[url=http://hopresovees.net/]activation key for kaspersky[/url] software reseller list
store front software [url=http://vonmertoes.net/]java download windows xp[/b]

Anonymous said...

seattle dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]black christian dating site[/url] dating abbrevations http://loveepicentre.com/ adultsinglesmeet

Anonymous said...

use of the drug sotaloff for heart arrhythmia [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/furosemide.htm]furosemide[/url] introduction to nuclear medicine http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/zebeta.htm buy cheap dog medicine http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/aleve.htm
japanese health and illness [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/brand-viagra.htm]brand viagra[/url] why is alcohol bad for your health [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/exelon.htm]downey regional medical center[/url]

Anonymous said...

http://rxmeds.in/coreg/congestive-heart-failure-low-blood-pressure-coreg
[url=http://rxmeds.in/actos/pravachol-actos-lamictal-index-php]war on drugs in america worth fighting 2007[/url] cialis levitra [url=http://rxmeds.in/exelon/exelon-corp-webmail]exelon corp webmail[/url]
weezer we are all on drugs mp3 http://rxmeds.in/depressive/manic-depressive-chat-rooms
[url=http://rxmeds.in/fda/cder-fda]shoppers drug mart optimum card[/url] pharmacy online [url=http://rxmeds.in/prilosec/generic-prilosec-available]generic prilosec available[/url]
chlamydia prescription drug http://rxmeds.in/fda/cebr-fda
[url=http://rxmeds.in/prilosec/is-prilosec-otc-a-safe-product-to-use-longterm]levitra commercial 2b actress[/url] discount adhd drugs [url=http://rxmeds.in/accutane/better-success-with-2nd-accutane-course]better success with 2nd accutane course[/url] prozac interactions with viagra cialis levitra [url=http://rxmeds.in/cytoxan/cytoxan-chemotherapy-drug]cytoxan chemotherapy drug[/url]

Anonymous said...

http://webhealthcentre.in/health-mag/cigna-health-care-htm
[url=http://webhealthcentre.in/toprol/how-to-stop-taking-toprol]drug effect progression[/url] rite aid pharmacy location arlington virginia [url=http://webhealthcentre.in/health-mag/low-cost-aarp-health-insurance-rates]low cost aarp health insurance rates[/url]
stephen colbert drug addiction http://webhealthcentre.in/amoxil/amoxil-k-clav
[url=http://webhealthcentre.in/cozaar/cozaar-side-affect]nationa drug month[/url] medications diet new prescription weight loss drug [url=http://webhealthcentre.in/cytotec]cytotec[/url]
merrimack vally drug task force http://webhealthcentre.in/crestor/crestor-warnings
[url=http://webhealthcentre.in/tramadol/phentermine-tramadol-viagra]how to memorize psychotropic drugs[/url] state laws on drug use during pregnancy [url=http://webhealthcentre.in/anacin/generic-for-anacin]generic for anacin[/url] effects of taking arimidex drug [url=http://webhealthcentre.in/health/individual-costco-health-insurance-terms-and-conditions]individual costco health insurance terms and conditions[/url]

Anonymous said...

dugan travel http://livetravel.in/travel/used-travel-trailer-pa how to build a mousetrap car that can travel at least 5feet
[url=http://livetravel.in/inn/el-morocco-inn-and-spa]travel cheap dc usa[/url] flight travel seat [url=http://livetravel.in/tour/luxury-escorted-tour-of-australia]luxury escorted tour of australia[/url]
gps travel unit http://livetravel.in/tours/monmouthshire-tours
[url=http://livetravel.in/maps/command-and-conquer-zero-hour-maps]travel to tortuga[/url] american youth hostels and travel insurance [url=http://livetravel.in/motel/boulder-hotel-motel-nevada]boulder hotel motel nevada[/url]
translation babel fish text travel http://livetravel.in/map/map-containers
[url=http://livetravel.in/travel/travel-to-jamaica-via-tampa-florida]how far do sperm have to travel to reach the egg[/url] travel wagon trailer [url=http://livetravel.in/vacation-packages/acapulco-vacation-package]acapulco vacation package[/url] travel agency in germany [url=http://livetravel.in/tour/knockout-tour]knockout tour[/url]
greaves travel [url=http://livetravel.in/airline/discount-airline-tickets-travel-flight]discount airline tickets travel flight[/url]
concorde travel http://livetravel.in/cruises/cruises-from-norfolk
[url=http://livetravel.in/vacation-packages/key-west-vacation-package]uniglobe travel[/url] parkair travel [url=http://livetravel.in/vacation-packages/air-package-ticket-travel-vacation]air package ticket travel vacation[/url]
[url=http://livetravel.in/maps/maps-for-commerials-for-connecticut]maps for commerials for connecticut[/url] train travel sudbury [url=http://livetravel.in/disneyland/kaiser-alumonum-in-disneyland]kaiser alumonum in disneyland[/url] how to travel in the african rainforest [url=http://livetravel.in/tourist/tourist-spot-in-luzon]tourist spot in luzon[/url]
marshalltown travel [url=http://livetravel.in/tourist/classification-of-tourist]classification of tourist[/url]

buy propecia said...

this kind of topic is good for people to learn more about it, and that people should be every day less ignorant, and medicine for this is the reading of issues like this

Anonymous said...

african fashion http://topcitystyle.com/?action=products&product_id=934 room designer for teens preview and view the room design [url=http://topcitystyle.com/28-women-size18.html]career clothes for woman[/url] which is the best fashion magazine
http://topcitystyle.com/pink-shirts-color10.html designer fabric pillow dog bed [url=http://topcitystyle.com/women-s-tops-page2.html]comfort shoes store[/url]

Anonymous said...

job description for grapic designer http://topcitystyle.com/men-page87.html express clothes [url=http://topcitystyle.com/?action=products&product_id=2289]loius vuitton shoes[/url] stride rite shoes
http://topcitystyle.com/shoes-page12.html laurentian [url=http://topcitystyle.com/cream-yellow-roberto-cavalli-color211.html]kelly interview shoes[/url]

Anonymous said...

all inclusive adult only carribbean vacation http://theporncollection.in/porn-galleries/hardcore-porn-and-movie-trailers
[url=http://theporncollection.in/best-porn/young-teen-boys-gay-porn]sexy adult black babes animations[/url] child stabbing adult with scissors [url=http://theporncollection.in/moms/kanye-speaks-about-moms-death]kanye speaks about moms death[/url]
free porn manga http://theporncollection.in/gay-sex/gay-bathhouses-denver
[url=http://theporncollection.in/incest/pro-choice-on-abortions-after-being-raped-or-incest]sexy men in stockings[/url] adult female pussy [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-boy/los-angeles-gay-pride]los angeles gay pride[/url]
adult videos you tube http://theporncollection.in/gay-anal/are-you-gay-test
[url=http://theporncollection.in/incest/hentai-incest-doujins]bbw porn trailers[/url] perfect hentai boobs [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-porn/willard-ohio-resevoir-gay-pickup-spot]willard ohio resevoir gay pickup spot[/url]
virgin islands history http://theporncollection.in/incest/private-family-incest
[url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-video/gay-men-showering]shania twain sexy video[/url] amateur straigh guys [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-movie/hot-gay-thumbs]hot gay thumbs[/url]

Anonymous said...

svt medical abbreviation [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/anafranil.htm]anafranil[/url] vinegar for health http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/revia.htm
free downloadble medical dictionary [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/birth-control.htm]birth control[/url] separate vaginal lips [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/frozen--energy-and-libido-enhancer-.htm ]young penis pic [/url] health medicine surgery
how is basketball good for your health [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/prinivil.htm]prinivil[/url] stockholm syndrome causes http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/zestril.htm
nutrition facts on thrills gum [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/pepcid.htm]pepcid[/url] blood plus dvds english dubbed [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/j.htm ]travel advisory from health canada [/url] effects of tarka blood pressure medicine on sex life

Anonymous said...

european comfort shoes http://luxefashion.us/?action=products&product_id=1233 firefighter clothes [url=http://luxefashion.us/grey-gold-shoes-color123.html]knights shoes[/url] womens exra wide shoes
http://luxefashion.us/versace-jeans-for-women-denim-blue-item2345.html acorn shoes [url=http://luxefashion.us/?action=products&product_id=1502]nutini new shoes[/url]

Anonymous said...

rituximab drug [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/singulair.htm]singulair[/url] brown betty tea pots http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/anti-acidite.htm
blood test result [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/augmentin.htm]augmentin[/url] fighting stress [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/zithromax.htm ]things you san do to take care of your heart [/url] relvon diet pills
circumolar pallor or allergic shiners [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/colesterol.htm]colesterol[/url] new zealand penis sizes http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/capoten.htm
etiology of general anxiety disorder [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/speman.htm]speman[/url] muscle pain in arms [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/paxil.htm ]southeastern philadelphia mental health association [/url] average stress tensor

Anonymous said...

causes of vaginal fistulas [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/amitriptyline.htm]amitriptyline[/url] vitamin collage http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/anafranil.htm
most comfortable sleeping bag [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/menopause-gum.htm]menopause gum[/url] mountain bike diet [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/yasmin.htm ]anxiety article disorder [/url] incinerator brain disorder
causes for a poor immune system [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/hytrin.htm]hytrin[/url] safe exercise for people with exercise induced asthma http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/lamisil.htm
health coverage pools [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/avapro.htm]avapro[/url] girlfriend smoking [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/precose.htm ]medical terminology list [/url] tooth and gum infection

Anonymous said...

blood bourne [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/zyban.htm]zyban[/url] fingering orgasm movie http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/atrovent.htm
peterson infection control phoenixville pa [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/aceon.htm]aceon[/url] heart attack signs and symptoms in dogs [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/fml-forte.htm ]mental health disassociation [/url] scardale diet
cleaning a smoking pipe [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/valtrex.htm]valtrex[/url] swine blood typing http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/viagra-jelly.htm
new hanover regional medical center nurse practioners [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/brand-viagra.htm]brand viagra[/url] delaware ohio health department [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/apcalis-sx.htm ]kidney human bodies [/url] emergency medical dispatch medical director

Anonymous said...

boarding school fashion design http://www.thefashionhouse.us/?action=products&product_id=2461 kleine brog [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/white-pink-women-color48.html]christian dior fall couture collection on style com runway[/url] umi infant shoes
http://www.thefashionhouse.us/sky-blue-casual-color96.html kswiss tennis shoes [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/men-fabric-bags-type1.html]how to become a fashion model[/url]

Anonymous said...

african black lingerie fashion http://luxefashion.us/-casual-tops-gucci-category48.html designer handbag replica [url=http://luxefashion.us/versace-pullover-brand1.html]london interior designers[/url] dressy gold shoes
http://luxefashion.us/red-tracksuits-color8.html nike basketball shoes history [url=http://luxefashion.us/off-white-polo-shirts-color3.html]gardiner fashion[/url]

Anonymous said...

quote from the movie planet terror [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_snow_buddies/]snow buddies[/url] tv movie 2000 http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_single_black_female/ watch beerfest the movie
movie resident evil extinction [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_werewolf_the_devil_s_hound/]werewolf the devil s hound[/url] download music movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_blowup/ movie old lady seducing a young boy
watch superbad the movie for free [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_zardoz/]zardoz[/url] make movie in to avatar
watch free charmed movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_horsemen/]the horsemen[/url] a girl like me movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_fast_sofa/ movie theatres in columbia mo
kenny australian movie study guide [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_faithful/]faithful[/url] lesbian mature movie galleries http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_daffy_the_commando/ movie that start with e

Anonymous said...

southindian sex movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_white_christmas/]white christmas[/url] legends of the fall movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_moby_dick/ movie star ring jewelry
speedracer the movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_dolphins_70/]dolphins 70[/url] movie firestarter http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_cypher/ half baked online movie
movie freak worm man eyeball cops [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_american_gun_70/]american gun 70[/url] walking tall movie
washington movie theaters [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_sisterhood_of_the_traveling_pants/]the sisterhood of the traveling pants[/url] movie food title http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_behind_enemy_lines_colombia/ movie as good as it gets
black knight movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_waxwork_ii_lost_in_time/]waxwork ii lost in time[/url] dana plato porno movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_mary_reilly/ free movie porn clips

Anonymous said...

downloadable music mixers [url=http://mp3-s.co.uk/all_music-silkfire-72565-1/]Silkfire[/url] terry grimes music http://mp3-s.co.uk/all_music-ola-jagun-n-his-ancestral-rhythms-4-1/ kiss music down loads
between beliefs music [url=http://mp3-s.co.uk/all_music-nebel-torvum-35385-1/]Nebel Torvum[/url] playing copy protected music files http://mp3-s.co.uk/all_music-production-house-10-1/ music box inserts for stuffed animals
our father who art in heaven music [url=http://mp3-s.co.uk/all_music-michaels-beatbox-108512-1/]Michaels Beatbox[/url] lyrics dolly parton country music
classical music denver radio station [url=http://mp3-s.co.uk/all_music-dj-wayfarer-108095-1/]DJ Wayfarer[/url] lil cuete music http://mp3-s.co.uk/all_music-riddim-track-15-1/ russian christmas music alfred reed mp3
make your own karaoke music [url=http://mp3-s.co.uk/all_music-occidental-82079-1/]Occidental[/url] carribean music wave http://mp3-s.co.uk/all_music-somnambul-23-1/ folk music vancouver wa

Anonymous said...

Restaurants in the United States. Search or browse list of restaurants. http://restaurants-us.com/ak/Anchorage/Hula%20Hands%20Restaurant/99508/

Anonymous said...

professional answer to this insurance question: Do all states require car insurance? http://insuranceinstates.com/indiana/South%20Bend/Rockstroh%20Insurance%20Inc/46601/

Penis Enlargement Pills said...

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I think I will leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Elliott Broidy said...

What a superb experience.

Anonymous said...

I just added this feed to my bookmarks. I have to say, I really enjoy reading your blogs. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, let alone the content!. Thanks For Your article about Hot Sexy Chicks » College chicks having wild sexual experience at campus .

Anonymous said...

Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

Anonymous said...

I've just been bitten by a bug and I have to read and read.

Anonymous said...

Contraindications cialis generic cialis,cialis online cialis price, viagra online cialis,viagra online cialis price
http://genericcialispricegnf.com#cialis http://cialisonlinepillsgkd.com#cialis pills http://genericviagraonlinejvrg.com#generic viagra http://buyviagraonlinertvr.com#buy viagra

Anonymous said...

effectiveness of these programs in preventing generic cialis generic cialis,cialis cialis price, generic viagra generic cialis,viagra online cialis
http://genericcialispricegnf.com#cialis http://cialisonlinepillsgkd.com#cialis http://genericviagraonlinejvrg.com#viagra http://buyviagraonlinertvr.com#viagra

Anonymous said...

however, unless the order is renewed by the cialis price cialis price,cialis generic cialis, viagra online cialis,buy viagra generic cialis
http://genericcialispricegnf.com#cialis http://cialisonlinepillsgkd.com#cialis online http://genericviagraonlinejvrg.com#viagra online http://buyviagraonlinertvr.com#viagra online

Anonymous said...

Nist, J. B. (2002). cialis generic cialis,cialis cialis price, generic viagra generic cialis,viagra online generic cialis
http://genericcialispricegnf.com#cialis pills http://cialisonlinepillsgkd.com#cialis http://genericviagraonlinejvrg.com#viagra http://buyviagraonlinertvr.com#viagra

Anonymous said...

South Koreans eating up generic Viagra - FiercePharma cialis price generic cialis,cialis pills generic cialis, generic viagra generic cialis,viagra cialis price
http://genericcialispricegnf.com#cialis http://cialisonlinepillsgkd.com#cialis online http://genericviagraonlinejvrg.com#viagra online http://buyviagraonlinertvr.com#viagra online

Anonymous said...

of men. cialis cialis,cialis pills cialis price, generic viagra generic cialis,viagra generic cialis
http://genericcialispricegnf.com#cialis http://cialisonlinepillsgkd.com#cialis http://genericviagraonlinejvrg.com#viagra http://buyviagraonlinertvr.com#viagra online

Anonymous said...

psychogenic impotence / erectile dysfunction. cialis price cialis price,cialis pills generic cialis, generic viagra cialis price,viagra online cialis price
http://genericcialispricegnf.com#cialis http://cialisonlinepillsgkd.com#cialis pills http://genericviagraonlinejvrg.com#generic viagra http://buyviagraonlinertvr.com#buy viagra