Soldiers and Sheikhs Find Common Ground

By Karen Meberg

U.S. soldiers dine with Iraqi sheiks

American soldiers stationed in Iraq at Contingency Operating Base Adder and local Iraqi sheikhs have struck up a collaborative relationship in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the base, according to an article from TheRedBulls.org.

“Without engaging such important leaders, base security and operations cannot be assured and the mission of the brigade combat team […] cannot be achieved,” said Lt. Col. Alan Shumate, COB Adder’s garrison commander.

Shumate and other soldiers from the Special Troops Battalion recently visited the home of Sheikh Ali al Manshed of the Al Ghezy tribe for an authentic Iraqi lunch, where they discussed both business and personal matters over lamb, rice and dates.

“We would wish only that we can be friends,” Ali said. Shumate also met with Ali’s brother, Sheikh Tayseer Mohammed al Manshed to discuss base security and water delivery.

Americans and Iraqis at COB Adder are overcoming their differences and finding a common ground that will benefit both groups. They have started to see each other not as the occupier and the occupied, but as neighbors with common interests. By focusing on their similarities, these two groups are opening channels of communication that will help all people in the area live safely.

Read the article here