Security

Admiral: 'Sons of Iraq' Integration Could be Bloody

Integrating Iraq’s Sunni neighborhood militias — which were instrumental in turning the tide against the insurgency — back into Iraqi society has proved to be an "emotional" experience, according to U.S. spokesman Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll. The hope is that the majority of the proud militiamen will accept either vocational training or an invitation to […]

2122581177_02b833a1bb_bIntegrating Iraq's Sunni neighborhood militias -- which were instrumental in turning the tide against the insurgency -- back into Iraqi society has proved to be an "emotional" experience, according to U.S. spokesman Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll.

The hope is that the majority of the proud militiamen will accept either vocational training or an invitation to join Iraqi security forces (pictured). But others are irreconcilable, Driscoll says. "There is no doubt that at some point, many of these Sons of Iraq were with the insurgency."

He says that, in the worst case, Baghdad may have to replicate its spring offensive in Basra, which was aimed at disarming Shi'ite militias. "That was very powerful," Driscoll says.

Yes, and bloody. If enough "irreconcilables" reject Baghdad's consolation prizes, a new battle might be on the horizon, as Baghdad finally extends its control over some of the last, and potentially most vexing, armed holdouts in the country.

Driscoll, for one, is hopeful. "General Petraeus has said he ... supports the Sons of Iraq and will not cut and run on them, and that this process is going to have be managed and worked."

(Photo: me)

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