CAMP ECHO, Iraq (June 16, 2008) - U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi army, Iraqi police, and Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) members come together to attend the Bayji security meeting in Bayji, Iraq, June 16, 2008. The meeting was held to discuss security and the beginning of reconciliation in the Bayji Area. Photo by Staff Sgt. Micky Bazaldua, Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq.From DoD Buzz:
Meanwhile back in Iraq, this past weekend saw clashes between Iraqi security forces, U.S. troops and fighters belonging to the Sunni Awakening Council, or “Sons of Iraq,” in U.S. military parlance. Today come reports that the rebellious Sunni militia has been forcibly disarmed and disbanded, the first time that has been done with an Awakenings group, and it will not be allowed to reform.
The former Sunni insurgents turned paid security guards will be “offered an opportunity” to join Iraq’s security forces. Hard to say how genuine those job offers will be, coming from Maliki’s largely Shiite government that has proven reluctant to hire ex-Sunni insurgents. Lack of government jobs has been one of the Awakenings group’s major gripes.
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My Comment: If the U.S. does .... they will certainly be buying the loyalty of a lot of people .... for now.