FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 060507-02
June 5, 2007


BAQOUBA, Iraq – The newly formed Diyala Support Committee met with members of the Diyala provincial government, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, and local sheiks, including Sheik Ahmed Al-Tamimi, during their first visit to the province, June 5.

The DSC is formed by Iraqi Parliament members who have expressed concern about the current situation in the province and are committed to bringing the challenges and setbacks faced by the provincial government to the attention of the central government, while lobbying for additional support for Diyala.

During the visit, the DSC members received an operational update of the Diyala Operations Center by its chief, Maj. Gen. Ghanim Saleh Hussayn, and Lt. Gen. Ali Gheidan Al Otbi, Iraqi Ground Forces commander. Also in attendance were Governor Ra’ad Rasheed Al-Tamimi; Maj. Gen. Ghanem Al Qureshy, Provincial Director of Police; Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, Task Force Lightning’s deputy commanding general for operations; Brig. Gen. James M. McDonald, Multinational Forces-Iraq effects coordinator, and other members of the provincial government and security forces.

“Today’s meeting was a significant first step in integrating the non-military resources of the national government into security operations in Diyala,” said Lt. Col. James D. George Jr., acting commander for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “The presence of the DSC, on the ground, here in Diyala, will provide vital first-hand awareness of the conditions and needs of the province.”

The DSC will receive updates from the provincial government and ISF to monitor progress in security and the provision of essential services. This awareness will enable the committee to leverage the resources of the central government in support of Diyala.


Maj. Gen. Ghanim Saleh Hussayn, Diyala Operation Center chief and Lt. Gen. Ali Gheidan Al Otbi, Iraqi Ground Forces commander, brief members of the Diyala Support Committee on current operations as well as DOC functionality, June 5. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Raul E. Marquez, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)


Sheik Ahmed Al-Tamimi addresses Diyala Support Committee members during the first DSC meeting conducted in Diyala, June 5. The DSC members are committed to lobbying for additional support from central government for the province. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Raul E. Marquez, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division).


Governor Ra’ad al Tamimi addresses Diyala Support Committee members and Diyala sheiks during a DSC meeting conducted in Diyala, June 5. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Raul E. Marquez, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division).


Members of the Diyala Support Committee meet with Diyala’s government officials, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces to discuss current operations and express their commitment to the people of Diyala, June 5. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Raul E. Marquez, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division).

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3BCT, Baqouba, Diyala Province, Good News, Iraq, photos