Col. Butch Kievenaar, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division commander, talks to the shaykhs of Basrah about civil action projects in a meeting held at the Basrah Operations Center, June 16. Photo by Sgt. Carlos Burger, 4th Infantry Division.

BASRAH

The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the brigade commander to the shaykhs, as well as discuss partnership as it’s related to the U.S.-Iraqi Security Agreement, said Maj. Richard Fierro, fire support officer for the brigade. The commander spoke with the shaykhs and explained to them what contributions the U.S. forces were bringing to the province.

"Since we moved into the province, I wanted you to hear from me what our purpose is and what we are doing to help the people of Basrah," Kievenaar said during the meeting.

Kievenaar also talked about closing several bases, as the June 30 deadline for U.S. troops to be out of Iraqi cities approaches.

"We are turning over this month two locations. They both will be handed over back to the [Iraqi] Police before the end of the month," Kievenaar said. He also stated that two other locations will continue to have a U.S. presence to train the Iraqi Security Forces at the request of key leaders in the province.

The commander continued, highlighting and explaining some of the brigade's civic action initiatives to help the city of Basrah.

"Currently, we have 103 projects ongoing in the city of Basrah,” he said. “These projects are all designed to help improve the quality of life for the people of Basrah.”

Looking forward, Kievenaar said, "Part of the challenge with these projects is that by our own U.S. law, we have to go in and certify these projects. After the 30th of June, I'm sure you will hear from your people how they saw Americans in Basrah, but please assure them we are only there to continue the work on these projects and make sure the contractors get paid.”

Fierro said that engaging the shaykhs in the area is a great way to reach out to the people of Basrah.

"Talking to the shaykhs is another avenue of approach to foster partnership with the populace," he said.

The shaykhs discussed with the colonel issues concerning agriculture, power and water distribution as well as continuation of the projects once the U.S. forces depart. At the conclusion, Kievenaar reiterated his intent to keep lines of communication open between the shaykhs and himself.

"What we are trying to do is open up communications between all of the tribal leaders and our forces so that there are no secrets and we are sharing information to provide an avenue to resolve any issues," he said.

(By Staff Sgt. Carlos Burger, 4th Infantry Division)