Iraqi Tribes Come Together

And forming a new democracy. This is from CentCom:

FOB KALSU, Iraq — The southern portion of Iraq is reaping the long overdue benefits of infrastructure rebuilding and trained security forces.
Although the areas in the Karbala, Najaf and Babil provinces still have their share of turbulence, some of the success the provinces are enjoying stems from the willingness of local tribes to work together to put their part of Iraq back together, said Capt. Dave Zaino, commander, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

We are going into areas in the northern sector of our area of operations, finding a large population who are putting the pieces back together on their own,” said Zaino.
Last week, Zaino met with Sheik Mohammed for the first time and found he and the surrounding tribes were working on a joint project on their own to improve the water system in their area. Mohammed solicited help from the Obide, Guerarie, Jabor and Gueranie tribes, along with his own tribe to assist with the project.
“His initiative is a model of sincere leadership and accountability and is a positive step in boosting the idea of democracy and faith in the Government of Iraq,” said Zaino.
Zaino also met with Sheik Najim for the first time and said he found him willing to discuss his tribe’s issues. Najim expressed his greatest concerns, which were also water and security in the region, and agreed to another visit a few days later.