Mameluke Swords for Iraqi Sheikhs
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – The Marine officer’s sword was presented to a number of key sheikhs by Multi National Force - West leadership to honor the relationships developed and the progress made over the last year.Major Gen.W.E. Gaskin, commanding general of MNF-W, and Maj. Gen. John Allen, the deputy commanding general, presented the first Marine officer swords to Sheikh Amer Abid al Jabbar Ali Sulayman al Assafi of the Dulaimi Tribal Confederation and Sheikh Ahmed Bezia Ftaykhan AlbuRisha, president of Sahwa al Iraq (the Awakening of Iraq). The gift is to honor them for their tribes’ dedication and sacrifice in fighting al Qaeda in Iraq, working with the local government, and beginning the process of rebuilding their areas.
The “Proclamation of Friendship” was read as the sword was presented: “We, the friendly Coalition Forces, along with the great tribes and tribal leaders of Al Anbar, affirm the friendship that binds us, celebrate the alliance that unites us and commemorate the sacrifices of all Anbaris to achieve unity, security and prosperity for all the citizens of Al Anbar and the great nation of Iraq."
The traditional Marine officer’s sword, originally presented to Marine 1st Lt. Presley O’Bannon in 1805 by Prince Hamet of Tripoli as a sign of friendship, will be presented to a number of sheikhs from across Anbar to acknowledge their contributions and as a sign of continued friendship with Coalition Forces. ...
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