7 Rules: 1 Oath

"Today marks D+30 since the start of Operation Arrowhead Ripper. The initial goal of Arrowhead Ripper was to clear Baqubah of al Qaeda, and then attempt to “jump start” the city back into civic life, which had all but ceased while the terrorists were in control. Though relatively minor clearing operations are still underway, there is little combat in the city.

Today Colonel Steve Townsend, the American commander of the 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, presided over a meeting with Iraqi Army officers and former insurgent leaders. The insurgent leaders who seem to be sincerely working toward peace are now collectively referred to as “the Baqubah Guardians.” I was allowed to attend the meeting, but was—understandably—not permitted to photograph or videotape the proceedings."
Michael Yon

Very interesting, but I was sort of amazed that Yon nor Townsend seemed to understand the Sunnis reaction to the anti sectarian part of the oath.

"Six—I will not support sectarian agendas. Every Iraqi in the room immediately was aboard on this one, and they even seemed enthusiastic about it."

I don't think they understand that the Sunnis use that as a weapon against the shi'a. Sort of like some Americans are insulted if Hispanics speak spanish in public.

Another way to understand is that by denying the Shi'a their display of their differences they keep them from feeling like a united group or exercising their collective power. It also helps the Sunni blend in so to speak.