The sheik support center

As far as regional summits go, the one this morning at the month-old sheik support center in Taji, about 15 miles north of Baghdad, was pretty casual. The idea behind its opening--in theory, at least—was to provide a neutral place where Sunni and Shia sheiks can come to discuss local governance issues.  But the two-story building itself looked more like an abandoned residence (which it likely is), and it was filled not with Iraqis heatedly debating the region's economic development, but with U.S. soldiers keen to take a break from the outdoor heat and find a cool place to ditch their Kevlar vests. As I toured the building with a group of journalists, more than one joked that he wanted to see where the sheiks kept their ping-pong table.

After being herded into a tent in the front garden, the event started out with speeches from Sheik Nadeem Sultan, who founded the center, and Tahan Nehma, a representative from the office of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. The audience seated in rows of plastic chairs talked through the addresses, with Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Scott Bleichwehl joking that the center had been a disco called "Sheik Your Booty" in the 70s. Few noticed when the sound system cut out every now and again. And a man wove through the rows serving Iraqi coffee, meant to be downed from a small ceramic cup in one swig--not an especially pleasant experience given the hot weather.