Reading the last sentence of Michael Yon’s ” 7 Rules: 1 Oath” literally gave me goosebumps. I don’t think I’ve read anything so positive from Yon on Iraqi’s and the possibility of their success. I’m not talking about a US Military success but of the Iraqi’s ability to achieve a free and functioning country.

It’s Day 30 of Operation Arrowhead Ripper. With Baqubah essentially clear of violence it’s time to sit down to determine how to continue this calm in Baqubah with Iraqi Army Officers and former insurgent leaders. That’s where Colonel Steve Townsend’s 7 rules: 1 oath comes in.

Seven Rules:
1) Protect your community from AQI, JAM and other terrorist militia.
2) Accept both peaceful Sunni, Shia and others.
3) Stay in your neighborhood/AO [area of operations] for your safety.
4) Take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution of Iraq.
5) Register with Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces [biometrics for CF].
6) For your safety, wear a standard uniform and markings [an example was proposed]
7) Receive hiring preference for Iraqi Police and Army.

One Oath:
1) I will support and defend the Constitution of Iraq.
2) I will cooperate fully with the Iraqi government.
3) I will guard my neighborhood, community and city.
4) I will bear no arms outside my home without coordination of Iraqi Security Forces or Coalition Forces
5) I will bear no arms against the Government of Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces or Coalition Forces.
6) I will not support sectarian agendas.

Go read Michael Yon for the discussion report.

Quote from Michael Yon:

And today in that meeting, I thought about the descendents of slaves who are now top military commanders in the American Army, and in that moment I knew that Iraq could make it.

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