Helping to build bridges in Iraq

Sharing: Sheiks from Al Muthanna province at a dinner held at Camp Smitty with British Col Niall Campbell and Lt-Col Roger Noble.

Power of speech: CO AMTG Lt-Col Roger Noble listens as a translator passes on his greetings to Brig Zwadi Shareef Hussein (centre) at his Bde HQ in the Al Muthanna provincial city of As Samawah. Photos by Cpl Robert Nyffenegger

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson

THE Australian-Iraqi Army relationship in Al Muthanna province has been cemented with a handshake following a recent meeting between the two local commanders.

CO AMTG Lt-Col Roger Noble met with the Commander of the As Samawah Brigade, Brig Zwadi Shareef Hussein, at his headquarters in the city of As Samawah. Lt-Col Noble said the meeting with Brig Hussein helped confirm the expectations of the Iraqi Army and the training that the Australians would deliver.

“Like any good soldier he asked for more resources and we’re in a pretty good position to deliver almost all of what he wants,” he said.

Following the meeting the Iraqi commander inspected Australian equipment, including the ASLAVs that had brought Lt-Col Noble’s team to the Iraqi barracks.

Brig Hussein was impressed enough with the ASLAVs to ask whether Australia was in the position to sell new vehicles to Iraq.

Lt-Col Steve Tulley, CO AATTI, has also held a series of meetings with the key staff of the Iraqi Brigade, including the headquarters staff of the Brigade’s 603 and 608 Battalions. And local tribal leaders were invited to an evening meal to establish the foundation for a close relationship between the Multi-National Forces and the people of Al Muthanna.