Muqdadiya, Iraq The new heroes of Iraq aren't an impressive lot at first glance. The concept of spit-and-polish just doesn't apply, but what the Sons of Iraq (SOI) lack in appearance they make up for in their contribution to Iraq's improved security situation, say the US military.
They man checkpoints around the clock, vetting persons and vehicles entering and leaving the neighbourhoods in which they live; they detain suspect individuals for handing over to Iraq police; and they report suspicious activity and individuals to US military forces.
