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Sunni Awakening Councils

There are several reasons why the level of violence in Iraq has not increased in the last several months. Among them, the surge gave the United States the needed manpower to better fight insurgents, and Moktada al-Sadr declared a truce with the U.S. and Iraqi governments. But the effectiveness and commitment of the so-called "Sunni Awakening Councils" was the most significant factor in keeping the peace.

Finally, tens of thousands of Sunni citizens, disillusioned with Al Qaeda and tired of the terrorist organization ravaging their communities, renounced extremism and began a grassroots campaign to eradicate Al Qaeda in Iraq. Surprisingly, however, the U.S. and Iraq may now destroy Iraq's most sustainable stabilizer.

The Awakening Councils have become so marginalized that they are threatening to call it quits if their demands are not met. These demands are moderate and justified.

First, they want recognition as a political rather than a merely military organization. Second, they want Shiites removed from high offices in areas with a strong majority Sunni population. Third, they want to be paid on time. Finally, they want greater political and employment opportunities in the government.

Iraq's refusal to accommodate the Awakening Councils sets a horrible precedent. Sadr's example has shown that if a group threatens violence, the Iraq government will be on its knees to accommodate the potential aggressor.

In short, the government of Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki has done a fantastic job of bribing aggressors to lay down their arms. But organizations such as the Awakening Councils that contribute to stability have been left empty handed.

If the United States is concerned with maintaining the status quo in the Middle East, then it would be in its best interest to continue to heavily finance the Sunni Awakening Councils, which are the first line of defense against Iran.

Failing to meet the financial needs of the Awakening Councils will have severe consequences. Pro-American groups in Iraq are few, and the United States must send a clear message to the Muslim world that those who turn their backs on extremism will receive support.

Failure to aid the councils will also show that the United States is unreliable, dissuading other Muslim organizations from joining with the free world.

Matthew Mainen, Washington Policy analyst, Institute for Gulf Affairs

How to spend our money

George W. Bush said each American would get a $600 check as part of a stimulus package. If we spend the money at Wal-Mart, it will all go to China. If we spend it on computers, it will go mostly to Korea or India. If we spend it on gasoline, it will go to the Arab countries. None of these scenarios will help the U.S. economy.

We need to keep the money in America. Currently, it seems that the only way to that is to drink beer, gamble or spend it on prostitution, the only businesses still left in the United States.

Ted Rudow, Menlo Park, California

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