Iraq Leaders Meet, Lunch With Al Ghizi Shaykh/Kofta Recipe/How to Make Iraqi Kababs

June 15, 2009

3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Leaders Meet, Lunch With Al Ghizi Shaykh

By Sgt. Heather Wright

Col. Robert Schmitt, the 287th Sust Bde cmdr, reaches for flatbread during a luncheon with Shaykh Ali Al Manshed of the Ghizi tribe, in Al Manshed village, recently.

DHI QAR PROVINCE — Conversation ranged from provincial elections to drought concernes. The shaykh’s mudhif, or tribal council hall, was the setting for the luncheon.
The a/c tent boasted marble floors, 7 crystal chandeliers, a collection of Arabian coffee urns, and religious artifacts at one end. Shaykh Ali directed the traffic flow as Soldiers entered the tent and workers hurried to hand out tea to the guests.

“The elections are a good thing for my country,” Ali said. He was concerned about the drought though. It has seriously impacted the Euphrates’ water levels, which in turn has impacted the canals and farming. He also discussed the possibilities of improving farm roads in the future.

Continued...