BAGHDAD - Soldiers are not typically allowed into Shi'a or Sunni religious buildings, especially not during the holiest month of the year for Muslims - Ramadan. Lately though, leaders from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division have been permitted inside the holy temples.
Leaders from the Black Jack Brigade were invited by 10 different Imams and Sheiks from different places of worship to share in one of the most important rituals during the holy month.
Throughout the week, the Soldiers delivered an offering of peace in the form of food. This meal is known as the Iftar or breaking of the fast. The honor of breaking the fast by giving food is what many Muslims consider to be one of the most gratifying ways of gaining blessing.
This offering proved not only to bring food and goodwill to the religious leaders, but the gathering was an opportunity for Sunni, Shi'a, Iraqi Security Force leaders and Coalition leaders to come together in one place and realize they are all after the same common goal.
"This was a show of goodwill to all those involved," said Maj. Jim Adams, the brigade's civic transition team officer from Alexandria, La. "All leaders want to achieve a common goal: an environment where people feel the government, security and their neighbors are working together toward normalcy. These meetings help 'break the ice' and fill the trust gap."
Adams said that sectarianism isn't nearly as bad as it used to be; however, with hundreds of people coming back to the Karkh area in central Baghdad, old feuds could begin to reemerge. The dinners during Ramadan, he said, would help bring leaders together to discuss their concerns for the area in order to continue the reconstruction process.
According to Alec Baker, a native Iraqi and cultural advisor with the brigade's civic team, the Imams and Sheiks were honored by the feast. He said they all remarked about future gatherings between themselves and the different leaders from the Coalition Security Forces.
"What better place to start the process than at an Iftar," asked Baker. "The next step is to continue the relationship."
The meetings proved to be a brief sounding board for concerns that many of the leaders share. Consistent electricity, clean water and fuel continue to top the list of high-demand services.
While more than 450 residents have moved back into their homes, reconciliation efforts are currently underway. Each family who moves back to the area is awarded one million dinar, or a little more or less than $650, according to Adams.
Adams said that this money is meant to help families resettle into the area after intense fighting last winter forced many residents to flee while security was recaptured.
According to Capt. Jason Lewis, the brigade's civil affairs officer, the meals were donated by the same company responsible for feeding many of the Iraqi security troops.
The Iftar is a daily ritual for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. According to Baker, being the person responsible for breaking another person's fast brings many blessings and much respect.
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