COB BASRA– To mark exactly three months of the Oasis Bazaar at Contingency Operating Base Basra being open, the Al Moosawi Group celebrated with a grand opening of the Oasis Restaurant, Dec. 26.
This opening was more than just a chance to try traditional Iraqi fare; it was a way of thanking the 34th Infantry Division for all their support over the months in making the bazaar a reality.
The Oasis started as a brainstorming idea to provide a cultural experience for the Soldiers as well as strengthen the Iraqi economy and local businesses. By working with the Al Moosawi Group, the 34th Inf. Div. was able to move forward with the project, said Capt. Andrew Nathan, Oasis liaison officer, with the 34th Inf. Div. out of Minneapolis Minn.
“The whole idea is, it’s a campaign where you are trying to build that positive relationship between the local nationals and us,” said Nathan. “It’s bringing us together to have a better relationship not only for the present, but for the future.”
By August, the project was approved by Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, commander of Multi-National Division South and 34th Inf. Div., allowing Nathan to proceed with the mission.
The Basrah Provincial Reconstruction Team was already working with the Al Moosawi Group and suggested a partnership to Nathan, believing the group was the best choice to represent the Iraqi start-up and the Iraqi people to provide the cultural experience Nathan was looking for in a bazaar.
The significance of this is that the Al Moosawi Group funded the majority of it, said Nathan. They provided most of the materials. Very little of that as funded by the U.S. Most importantly, it provides a partnership to build on.
Nathan sees how the relationship and partnership can grow by working closely with Abdul Hussain Al Matar, the bazaar manager.
“It is not only a business, but more of a relationship,” said Abdul Hussain. “The Moosawi family decided this bazaar is a window to have cooperations with our friends, the U.S. forces and local society. We try to be a bridge between the two sides and we are successful.”
The grand opening of the restaurant was one more step in strengthening the relationship, said Nash.
“This restaurant opening is much more than simply a dining experience. It is a solid example of our valued partnership and friendship advancing to a higher level,” said Nash. “Built upon the success of the Oasis Bazaar, it offers an opportunity for both U.S. forces and local business.”
Hussain agrees that the opening is more than the sharing of food. He wants the bazaar to be a place for the Soldiers to relax and meet local residents.
“[We want to] be sure that when he [the Soldier] comes here not to just shop, but to relax, because it’s a good chance to meet local people, have a good time, and a good experience,” said Abdul Hussain.
Through a translator during his speech, Abdul Hussain stressed the importance of the role the bazaar plays.
“This bazaar is a place where ideas and thoughts can converge and can be exchanged between two different cultures,” he said.
