BAGHDAD, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. military embraced a new strategy to bridge the sectarian divide by persuading Iraq's Shiite leaders to embrace Sunni-led grassroots security forces.
A Sunni-led group called Concerned Local Citizens operates with U.S.-led forces on neighborhood security programs, but the Shiite-led central government needs to incorporate those activities or face a rival force emerging from within, the Los Angeles Times said Tuesday.
The commanding general of the Multi-National Forces in Baghdad, Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, said Shiite reconciliation with the Sunni-led CLC, comprised often of former militants, is the "primary driver of enhanced security" over the next several months.
CLC groups serve as security forces in areas out of reach of the Iraqi and U.S.-led forces, but some officials worry the group may emerge as a parallel force operating in opposition to the central government.
U.S. officials pushed the Shiite government to incorporate CLC forces into police forces or civilian affairs programs as part of the broader reconciliation strategy, as the group contributes significantly to the overall lull in violence.
Critics, however, worry that former militants may harbor loyalties to their insurgent groups.
"Are there people trying to infiltrate them? Yes," Odierno said. "But we can sort through that. The majority of them just want to be part of the government of Iraq. Before, there was no avenue for them to become part of the government of Iraq."
