IRAQ: Sheik speaks, Marines listen

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One of the tribal sheiks in Anbar province whom Marines are depending on to fight the insurgency is Hatim Gaoud of the Albu Nimr tribe.

Although younger than many sheiks, he has assumed a place of prominence. At a gathering with Marine brass, other sheiks let him sit next to the top Marine, Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskin. The sheik is not reluctant to speak his mind.

On the impact of the insurgency: ‘There is not one house in Anbar that has not had a tragedy.’

On the Baghdad government, particularly the Ministry of the Interior, which controls the police: ‘The problem is that they are not with us.’

On a promise to screen police applicants to eliminate insurgents: ‘We will not send you anybody with the stain of life on his hands.’

Gaskin promised help. ‘You must understand we are all in this together,’ he told Hatim and the others.

— Tony Perry at Camp Fallouja, Iraq