Coalition Forces Take a "back Seat" to Iraqi Leaders

By Spc. Angie Johnston

KIRKUK, Iraq – Coalition forces took a back seat to Iraqi authorities Jan. 14 during a city council meeting in Tuz Khurmatu. Council members discussed a wide range of issues facing the city, including recurring power shortages and the safety of residents. Although there are security concerns dotting the province, Deputy Chairman Qadir Ali Saleh is certain that Tuz Khurmatu is on the upswing. “It is a proven fact that security has improved,” said Qadir. “We always have to expect negative issues, but they have been declining in the past five years since coalition forces have come to our province.”

Qadir advocated a new program in which widows and orphans of deceased Iraqi soldiers and police may be eligible to receive a unit of land from the government in order to help them recover from the loss of their loved one. He announced the formation of a committee which will be in charge of petitioning the government of Iraq for each piece of land to ensure that it’s distributed fairly.

The council members deliberated over Tuz’s fickle power distribution channels when Council Member Shalal al-Mahabi pointed out, “Hundreds of people have been forced to find other solutions because the transformers which were supporting their needs have failed. In some cases they’re setting up their own electrical wires illegally, and that’s why there is always a shortage.” The council quickly resolved to obtain more transformers so that residents wouldn’t experience as many power outages.

“I’ve heard some very good discussions about how to pave the road ahead,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Stenman, commander of the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. Stenman and his battalion are transitioning to a supportive role to the government in Salah ad-Din province, where Tuz is located, in a synchronized movement with other military forces throughout Iraq. The transition comes at the request of the government of Iraq and is in compliance with the Jan. 1 Security Agreement.

Stenman sat with Capt. Jason Honeycutt, commander of Co. B, 2nd Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 25th Inf. Div. in the back of the room to quietly observe the meeting. “I have intentionally taken a back seat instead of at the forefront with you, the leaders of Tuz,” Stenman told the council at the close of the meeting. “We are only here to support you. We will work to reinforce your plans; together we’ll be better and stronger.”