BAGHDAD — The United States has directed that Iraq's
military must become multi-ethnic.
Officials said the Bush administration has ordered the Iraq Army
and security forces to serve as the model of ethnicity in Iraq. They
said cooperation among Sunni, Shi'ite and Kurdish troops could
help reduce ethnic tensions in the country.
"Not only are the security forces fighting against the terrorists, they
also need to help bridge the ethnic gap within Iraq," Gen. George Casey, the
commander of the U.S.-led coalition, said.
Casey told a briefing of Iraqi commanders on April 3 that the military
must serve as an example of how the country can work together despite ethnic
differences. He said the army and other armed forces have brought together
members of all ethnic groups.
Iraqi Defense Minister Saadoun Duleimi agreed. Duleimi said Iraq, as a
key element in the military's counter-insurgency strategy, must provide
equal services to all ethnic groups.
"Terrorists want to create a gap between the Iraqi people," Duleimi
said. "We need to continue communicating and implementing the plan for a
unified government and people loud and clear to prevent [insurgents] from
creating this gap within the people."
At the seminar, Iraqi Joint Forces deputy commander Lt. Gen. Nasier
Abadi outlined the major roles of Iraqi and coalition army groups. Abadi
said the Iraqi Joint Headquarters would assume strategic command, advise the
Defense Ministry and develop military strategy. The general said the
headquarters would eventually assume the responsibilities of the coalition.
The Iraqi Ground Forces Command would become the Iraq Army's operational
headquarters. Abadi said the command would assume operational control, plan
and direct operations and prepare Iraqi ground forces for combat.
Abadi said Iraq Army divisions and brigades would conduct
operations, conduct tactical missions and secure strategic infrastructure.
He said the coalition would provide strategic command to all Iraq Army and
coalition forces in Iraq.
