Lawrence of Arabia Redux

American soldier becomes Iraqi sheik - Washington Times

QAYYARAH, Iraq -- Sheik Horn floats around the room in white robe and headdress, exchanging pleasantries with dozens of village leaders.

Sheik Horn is actually Army Staff Sgt. Dale L. Horn. In an effort to stop the attacks on his base, Sgt. Horn began visiting and meeting the people of the 37 villages and towns that he patrols. He procured $136,000 of aid for the area which evidently impressed the village leaders:

Sheik Ahmed, Sgt. Horn's mentor and known for his dry sense of humor, eventually suggested during a meeting of village leaders that Sgt. Horn be named a sheik. The sheiks approved by voice vote...

They gave him some land, some sheep, and suggested he take a second wife. Wife in States nixed that idea. Its gone beyond joking now, and the villagers have accepted Horn as one of their own.

I think this is very cool! For one thing, the story reports that the base hasn't been attacked since Horn became a sheik. Seems like this is a win-win for all concerned.