Sons of Iraq Transfer New Year's Day

[unhappycamper]

Sons of Iraq Transfer New Year's Day
December 31, 2008
Army News Service

BAGHDAD - Along with a new year, Iraq is ringing in an important step toward national reconciliation and sovereignty on Jan. 1 as the nation's government takes over control of the Sons of Iraq from Coalition forces in four provinces.

The turnover includes Diyala, one of the most diverse provinces, where al-Qaeda in Iraq once terrorized and intimidated local residents.

In all, 76 percent of the nation's SoI members will be under Iraqi government responsibility by New Year's Day.

"We are beyond the tipping point with the Sons of Iraq," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kulmayer, the chief of reconciliation and engagement for Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

"They have invested in the future of Iraq. And the Iraqi Government is offering them hope in the future. They're going to be part of that."


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/sons-of-iraq-transfer-new-years-day.html?col=1186032369115