June 09, 2007
Anbar province, once among the most violent regions in Iraq, is held up as an example of how local politics can reduce violence. "A year ago we were about to write off Anbar province," Everett said. "We have turned it completely around."A key part of the turnaround was an effort to work with tribal leaders. A growing number of the leaders, sometimes called sheiks, have joined with U.S. forces and turned against al-Qaeda militants. The average weekly attacks in Anbar province dropped from about 250 last year to about 100 last month, according to the U.S. military. This year 12,000 Iraqis volunteered for Iraqi security forces in Anbar, up from 1,000 in 2006, Odierno said.
"Anbar could be a microcosm of what could happen in the rest of country if the right elements come into play," said Army Col. Ralph Baker, a former brigade commander who served two tours in Iraq and now serves at the Pentagon.
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