Perspective: U.S. reaching out to Iraqi women to quell insurgency

BAGHDAD The living room of the local sheik is filled to the bursting point with women. Some are covered in traditional garb and say little. Others take pictures and talk excitedly. They have come together for an unlikely gathering in this patriarchal society: a women's discussion group.

The U.S. military is reaching out to women in several communities in the rebel stronghold of Anbar province, in hopes of persuading them to tell their husbands and sons to help in the fight against the insurgency.

"We want to empower the women to the point where they can have a positive influence on the men, when they're alone, in the home, in the bedroom," said Marine Master Sgt. James Allen, who helps coordinate the effort but, as a man, cannot attend the gatherings.

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