Imam Al-Moosawi is both the cleric for the Al-Moosawi Mosque as well as the chief executive officer of the Al-Moosawi Group, an organization comprised of at least 10 companies primarily focused on printing, agriculture, small business and shopping.
“I was taken aback by the graciousness of our host,” said Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, commander, Multi-National Division – South. “I had the chance to learn a great deal about the individual as a cleric, a leader of his people and a businessman.”
Nash met Al-Moosawi at the cleric’s 500-acre farm, where he raises horses, cows, chicken, ostriches and emus along with growing dates, cucumbers and other fruits and vegetables. “I was impressed by his farm, the outstanding livestock and the number of employees he has and that he supports them and their families,” said Nash.
The cleric also invited Nash to a luncheon at his Mosque in Basra where he served a variety of different Iraqi dishes and met with several other religious, military and political leaders.
“I was greatly impressed to see the collection of all the leaders from the Basra province and especially impressed with the governor, Dr. Shiltagh being here along with the other general officers from the Basra Operations Center and the (Iraqi Army) 14th Infantry Division,” said Nash to an audience which included Iraqi officials, the Christian Bishop and Sunni mayor from the provincial council. “Al-Moosawi was able to bring the community together for a common good; taking care of the people of Basra, bringing peace and stability and welcoming the United States here as we help to develop some of the projects the British started,” added Nash. While at the luncheon, the governor of Basra, Al-Moosawi and Nash discussed the changes the people of Basra will see after June 30.
“The governor made a great point when he talked about acknowledging the fact that Soldiers will be accompanying the Iraqi Security Forces as they oversee some of the future projects in Basra,” said Nash. “(The people of Basra) will continue to see Soldiers driving in and out of Basra and the provinces, but it is only at the invitation of the ISF as we continue to finish projects.”
Nash said he intends to work closely with Al-Moosawi in the future to help the citizens of Basra. “Al-Moosawi is all about giving back to the community, which is certainly admirable,” said Nash.
“There’s progress in Basra. As we were driving through the countryside, there were a lot of people working manual labor. The businesses were open. The shops were open and the fruit stands had fruit in them,” said Nash. “There’s traffic, which means people are out and about. They feel safe and secure and they’re going to go about their daily business.”
