CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Holiday music played softly from the back of the room. A Christmas tree with all the trimmings stood proudly yet a bit out of place next to a large-as-life faux fireplace presenting a picture of a roaring fire burning in the red-brick mantle topped with holiday decorations. Centered on the mantle was a simple gold-glittered word - Peace.
The setting was a holiday dinner that 17th Fires Brigade hosted Dec. 20, on Contingency Operating Base Basra, for Iraqi Security Force leaders and government officials in the Basrah Province.
In a country punctuated by hundreds of years of violence this word is anything but simple. Yet that single word sums up the goal of the mission that has taken place during eight years of hard-work, dedication and personal sacrifice by thousands of Iraqi Security Forces, coalition forces, government officials and civilians.
Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, United States Division – South commander, and Col. Steven L. Bullimore, the 17th Fires Brigade commander dined with ISF leaders Maj. Gen. Muhammad Jawad Hawaydi, Basra Operations Center commander, Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Noor Swady al Dalmy, 14th Iraqi Army Division commander and Maj. Gen. Adel Daham Fahad Al Amery, Iraqi Police commander. The group of military and civilian leaders celebrated with a traditional American holiday dinner complete with pecan pie and Borden’s eggnog shipped in from Texas.
With the help of a translator, Bullimore welcomed guests and toasted their friendship with sparkling cider and a warm smile.
“Thank you for coming and sharing dinner with us tonight. Every family throughout America has different family traditions (because of our diversity). But one tradition that is always true with Christmas; it is a time for fellowship with family and friends,” he said. The ease and familiarity of the group that allowed conversations between the American hosts and their guests is a far cry from the often strained relationship of the recent past.
Just a few years ago U.S. leaders grew frustrated as they struggled through conversations with Iraqi officials made almost impossible by the language barrier. Many officials, local leaders and interpreters were afraid of the retaliation of working with Americans. Sometimes cooperation came to a standstill due to an affront caused by coalition forces due to lack of knowledge and understanding of local customs. The ISF continue to demonstrate that they can provide security in the southern region as American troops withdraw from cities and hand over camps. The parliamentary elections of 2010 will showcase their efforts and hard work.
This dinner represented more than a diplomatic gesture. It was an opportunity for local officials to build stronger relationships with their counterparts as all parties continue to work toward that one simple goal - peace.
