BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A Shi’ite leader has called for neighborhood committees to provide security in their own districts, casting further doubt on the ability of Iraqi and U.S. forces to reduce violence levels in Baghdad.

Underlining the violence problems, police said up to 25 people were killed and 75 wounded in multiple attacks in a majority Shi’ite area in southern Baghdad late on Sunday…

Hadi al-Amiri, a member of parliament and head of a Shi’ite militia, said such committees were essential because Iraqi forces still lacked training and were not ready to tackle militants and insurgents.

MINUTES OF THE BAGHDAD SECURITY COMMITTEE LOCAL 517

Sunday, August 13, 2006
PRESIDING: Haidar al-Shamari, Committee Chairman

IN ATTENDANCE: Amir Talsid, Tahsin al-Jaafiri, Saddam Ahmed, Amir Ghazwan.

1. Mr. al-Shamari welcomed everyone to the meeting

2. The minutes of last week’s meeting were read and approved

3. A moment of silence was observed for the committee that convened last week
Mr. Talsid made some memorial remarks on behalf of the committee. Mr. Ahmed made some pointed comments about Sunnis that got pretty good laughs but were stricken from the record.

4. Proposal to initiate patrol
Mr. Ahmed offered a proposal to patrol the lower quadrant of the district in a Z formation. The proposal (P-17) was submitted for a vote and passed, 5-0.

5. New member questions
Mr. al-Shamari opened the floor to questions. Mr. Ghazwan inquired as to the difference between a “security committee” and a “militia.” The distinction was explained and then stricken from the record.

6. Relocation of meeting
Having approved proposal P-17, the committee agreed without vote to continue the meeting while on patrol.

7. New members
On the corner of al-Zaahari Avenue and al-Nabu Way the members encountered and then offered membership to two applicants to the Security Committee, Mr. Munthir Hassan and Mr. Moktada al-Athari (brother-in-law to Mr. Jaafiri). The gentlemen were sworn in to the committe and each issued a committee button, a coupon for a free beverage at Muqtad Minnie’s, and a submachine gun.

8. Execution of Z formation
A complete sweep in Z formation was executed by the committee. Mr. Talsid mentioned that he was still unclear as to whether “Z formation” really meant anything. Mr. Jaafiri expressed boredom and the need to “stir some shit up.” Mr. al-Shamiri reminded Mr. Jaafiri that the purpose of the militia is to protect the people. Mr. Ghazwan reminded Mr. al-Shamari that this was a “committee,” not a “militia.” Mr. al-Shamari cuffed Mr. Ghazwan on the side of the head.

9. Discussion of operational options
The committee lingered near the convenience store in al-Musaf Square and discussed options. Two women who might have been friends of Mr. Ahmed’s sister walked buy and were welcomed by the committee, but they did not stop. Mr. Jaafiri speculated that the women were”stuck up bitches.” Mr. Ahmed punched Mr. Jaafiri in the shoulder. Both gentlemen were restrained gently.

10. Identification of threat
Having exhausted Mr. Ghazwan’s supply of cigarettes, the committee began to focus upon a house up the block on al-Naafar Avenue, where two Sunni youths appeared to be lingering. When the youths retreated into the house, a motion was made to iinvestigate further. The motion carried, 7-0.

11. Results of the investigation
The house was entered, first by Mr. Jaafari. Suspects were surprised, but armed and accompanied by several other associates including two other armed men, three women, and what might have been a child. Discussion was attempted at high volume, but negotiations quickly broke down. The threat was eliminated. Mr. Ghazwan and Mr. Talsid were killed. Mr. al-Athari received a wound to his neck and shoulder. The committee opted to reconvene several blocks away.

12. Closing remarks
Mr. al-Shamari congratulated the committee on their success and proposed drawing the meeting to a close. The motion carried, 5-0. Mr. Hassan agreed to take Mr. al-Athiri to the hospital. All present pledged to revenge the loss of their fellow committee members. The committee agreed to meet the following week at the usual time. The meeting was adjourned.