Iraq's awakening drives out al-Qaida

KIRKUK, Iraq, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. military officials in northern Iraq say despite continued violence, a citizen neighborhood watch program is beginning to drive al-Qaida out of the region.

The citizen patrols, who call the initiative Sahwa, an Arabic term meaning "awakening," recently approached soldiers of the U.S. 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment. Officials say more than 1,000 citizens showed up to be recruited in an effort to drive out terrorists, the U.S. Defense Department reported.

"What this program is doing is creating significant problems for the insurgents, because it drives a wedge between them and the populace," Army 2nd Lt. Alan Finnie, 1-87 infantry, said in a statement.

"By taking away the one incentive advantage the insurgents had over the government, namely money, the people now have every reason to reject terrorist intimidation and embrace the responsibility of eliminating al-Qaida in Iraq influence in their communities."

Officials say for joining the program citizens are provided with weapons and a regular paycheck based on the effectiveness of their performance.

"This is the biggest thing going on for the local Iraqis ... because one, it's putting money in their pockets and stimulating the local economy, and two, these people really want to provide their own security," said Maj. John Allen, 1-87 infantry operations officer.