COB Basra – Religious leaders play a key role in Iraq due to the integral position of faith in the lives of its citizens. So, it was a notable event when a broad cross-section of prominent officials of Shi’ah and Sunni Islam, Chaldean Christianity and Mandaeanism met near Basrah, Iraq, Nov. 16, and demonstrated their solidarity.
Maj. General Richard Nash, commander, Multi-National Division South, and the Provincial Reconstruction Team chief took the opportunity to open up a two-way conversation with the community.
The main theme of the discussions, “was support of free and fair elections, support of the Iraqi government and army, and building community and civic stability,” said Lt. Col. John Morris, 34th Infantry Division chaplain, from Afton, Minn., who was also in attendance.
Sayyed Moosawi, an influential local figure, hosted the event on his yacht on the river Shatt-al-Arab, which is formed by the confluence of the Euphrates and the Tigris and flows into the Persian Gulf.
“Basrah enjoys really good relations among its religious community,” said Morris. “It’s a fragile community and the leaders are critical.” In a speech to the gathering, Nash emphasized that, throughout southern Iraq, people of many faiths come together in order to forge a peaceful future for the children on Iraq.
Even in the face of those who oppose unity they have worked together for a common good. Basrah is a model for all of Iraq to follow, said Nash.
“It’s one more key meeting on the road to stability,” said Morris.
