Coalition Releases Over 11,000 Detainees in Iraq

In this file photo, detainees at the coalition detention facility at Camp Cropper play volleyball in February 2008. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Spc. Michael V. May.)

Dispatches from the Front:

CAMP CROPPER, Iraq, Aug. 30, 2008 -- Coalition Forces have released more than 11,000 men back to their families and communities. These men, once considered a security threat to Iraqi civilians, as well as Coalition and Iraqi forces, have completed their internment and can go on to lead productive lives.

The release of 11,000 detainees thus far in 2008 surpasses the 8,900 men released in all of 2007. “With the current release tempo, the goal of more than 12,000 releases for 2008 will be reached by mid September,” said Maj Neal Fisher, spokesman for Task Force 134 – Detainee Operations.

During their internment, detainees are given the opportunity to participate in various educational and vocational programs, on a voluntary basis. These programs are designed to give detainees the skills needed to become productive members of Iraqi society. Education classes include basic reading and writing in Arabic and English, mathematics, and civics. In addition to basic education, Islamic discussion classes are available. These classes are led by Iraqi social workers and clerics and focus detainees on developing a better understanding of Islam and the teachings of the Koran.

Vocational courses, such as woodworking, carpentry and brick masonry are offered to provide detainees a skill set they can use upon their release. The skills these men obtain will be used to support and provide for their families as well as help build a stronger Iraq.

“With a re-internment rate of less than one percent, it’s a testament to the success of these programs,” said Fisher. “These men, for whatever reason, engaged in activities that were meant to harm Coalition and Iraqi forces, Iraqi civilians and the rebuilding of Iraq. Now, a large number of these men are returning home educated, and skilled, ready to assist in the rebuilding of a better, stronger, and stable Iraq.”

(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)

Tags: DOD, War, Military, GWOT, terrorism, al Qaeda, al Qaida, Middle East, Operation Iraqi Freedom, United States, U.S., coalition, Iraq, Dispatches from the Front, Multinational Force
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Buzz, Tension