New meeting hall honors old traditions

COB ADDER — In a project designed to honor the customs and traditions of the region, members of Human Terrain Team 8 recently served as advisors on the construction of a mudhif here, at the 4th Bde's Regional Center of Excellence for Civil Capacity.

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The HTT has worked in the Southern Iraqi provs. of Maysan, Dhi Qar and Muthanna for the last 2 years. They work to gain an understanding of the local culture and share that knowledge with the Soldiers operating in the region. As part of their work, they regularly take part in engagements with local leaders, and conduct field research among the Iraqis who live along the many canals in the region and in the Hawizah Marsh. The design of the mudhif itself reflects local traditions. For instance, there are always an odd number of reed pillars, allowing the host of a meeting to sit along one side wall with an equal number of guests to his right and left. This ensures that the tribal shaykh remains the center of decision making when conducting business and reinforces his prestigious position. Its completion will serve as a lasting monument to the TF's unconventional mission, while displaying the commitment the U.S. has to ensuring that local history and heritage aren't forgotten. "It was important for us and our mission of building civil capacity, to create a structure that demonstrated our appreciation for local customs and traditions," explained Lt. Col. Michael Eastman, cmdr of TF Pathfinder. "This mudhif is more than a symbolic gesture," he continued. "It is a place where Americans and Iraqis meet and discuss ways to sustain our progress in these 3 provs."

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