Interacting with Iraqis

1. Interacting with Iraqis MODULE 8

2. Iraqi ProfileBottom Line Up Front • They don’t see the world the way you do • They don’t play by the same rules that you do • You are judged by them on how you fulfill THEIR expectations • THEIR judgment of you determines YOUR success in Stability Ops and IO (How much they cooperate) • Mutually useful cooperation IS possible HOW?

3. Iraqi Profile • Current Islamic culture training • Gives tips on how to interact • Doesn’t answer why they behave the way they do • Doesn’t address HOW to get our messages through • Doesn’t address the Iraqi-specific cultural variations • Religion used to legitimize political maneuvering • Sects, ethnicity, tribal affiliations important but vary from AO to AO • NO MAGIC SIMPLE FORMULA

4. Iraqi Profile • Key Issues for the average Iraqi • Security • Services (Electricity, Water, etc) • Jobs • Key Belief Sets of the average Iraqi • Totally dependent • Don’t see themselves as defeated – CF serve them • Strong leader provides for subordinates • Good/Honorable leader keeps promises

5. Iraqi Approach to Government • Governmental legitimacy has no meaning to many Iraqis. • Acquiesce to any Muslim government based on its strength and ability to compel obedience • No non-Muslim regime in a Muslim area is legitimate • Officials provide essential services only to those who, through status or influence, can provide a quid-pro-quo • Citizens do only what the government can compel • High motivation to care for extended family • Little motivation to care for neighborhood or serve country.

6. Iraqi Honor • Fundamentals • Reputation • Strength • Influence • Wealth • Exercising hospitality • Perceive their honor as their main possession • Elevated to an importance we find hard to understand • Respecting Iraqis’ sense of honor • Critical to perception management • Facilitates mission accomplishment • Reduces Coalition casualties • Leverage in “deal making” with Iraqi power players

7. Iraqi Honor • Dishonor requires revenge • Dishonor to bind an Iraqi’s hands, especially in front of others. • Extreme dishonor to be thrown to the ground or held down with a foot. • We can respect honor without compromising mission or force protection “I may have to kill you, but I won’t dishonor you”

8. Iraqi ProfileCommunications • Key Communicators • Sheiks, Imams (but often in competition) • Anyone in their “In group” (and YOU ain’t in it!) • Rumors rampant • more dramatic = better • Peacemakers/mediators held in high regard • Television popular but CF have no capability • Face-to-Face = best medium

9. Iraqi Profile Contracting • They will cheat – especially, when money is at stake • Business ethics are a luxury of affluent societies – “Caveat Emptor” is the only universal business rule • If you try to stop it totally – you are naïve/not respected • If you ignore it – you are a fool/ not respected “Believe everything, but verify”Ronald Reagan

10. What Works • You will be tasked to provide support to non-military (i.e. contractors) • Relations with Ministries, MNF-I, MNC-I, NGO, Agencies • Guidance will be limited/non-existent • Goals will change frequently • Be prepared to state what you think your goals should be and get approval from Higher

11. What Works? • Listen • Iraqis talk “between the lines” • Let them ventilate (remember where they came from!)

12. What Works? • When you speak – repeat key points 3 times • “I will do it” means “I will not do it” to an Iraqi • “I will do it”, “It will be done”, “I will do it tomorrow.” means “I will do it” • Be polite • IPB on leadership and communication networks • When approaching a project or problem, ask the key communicators (privately) for advice and assistance • Boosts your status and theirs