Iraqis Defy Sectarian Stereotypes and Fight for National Unity

Progress continues in Iraq as locals step up with the blessing of religious and tribal leaders to secure their areas and capitalize on the security brought about by the surge of U.S. troops. Iraqis are defying the odds and proving false stereotypes that sectarianism in Iraq is impossible to over come and that they are in the middle of a civil war. Neither is true.

More and more Iraqis are signing up to protect their country as police, shunning sectarianism and embracing national unity in the process. "They now have a reason to fight, which transcends sectarian and tribal divisions….they fight for a united Iraq."

One Iraqi Police grad said they are facing the insurgents as one:

“We need to protect the people and enforce the law, and make sure the rest of our people are safe.”

Meanwhile, Baghdad residents sick and tired of terrorism in their country, are joining the Volunteer Security Force to help support security in their neighborhoods and protect citizens there. This effort is completely Iraqi initiated, led and trained. These are not paid positions like Iraqi Police; they are volunteering to work with police and are braving the threat of terrorists in order to cooperate with the success of the surge.

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Comments

[Mike Volpe]

Great work, Amy. Too bad more people don't see this. I saw Alan Colmes and Bob Beckel falling over themselves to see who could sound more defeatists about the will of the Iraqi people to join together. The were taking joy in what they considered a mess. I wonder how they would respond to this story.

[Amy P]

Iraqis are coming together. It doesn't mean they all are, but one need not look further than our own country to see the political and racial divides here to show that total reconciliation of any people is impossible. As long as Iraqis can coexist despite differences, mission accomplished. Iraqis are doing a remarkable job.