AFTERMATH OF ATTACK ON JORDAN'S EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD

S E C R E T AMMAN 005006 SIPDIS NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2013 TAGS: PREL JO IZ SUBJECT: AFTERMATH OF ATTACK ON JORDAN'S EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD Classified by Charge d'Affaires David Hale, for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S/NF) Charge spoke to Prime Minister Abul Ragheb and Foreign Minister Muasher on August 7 to convey our condolences and sympathies for the losses and injuries suffered in the attack on Jordan's Baghdad Embassy. Both stressed in the course of the day their gratitude for U.S. and CPA action on the ground to shelter and transport the survivors and protect the bombed facility. Both emphasized the importance of continued protection of the building by U.S. personnel to prevent looting, which would leave a very damaging image in the Arab world. Similar messages have been conveyed from senior GOJ officials via ROAL channels. Post will continue to work with CPA on this issue, including in defining an end point when such protection will no longer be required. ¶2. (C) Abul Ragheb and Muasher both asked for a rapid investigation to undercover the culprits. Amman is awash in rumors about the origin of the attack. Rumored culprits range from pro-Saddam figures enraged by Jordan's support for the coalition, to anti-Saddam figures seeking retribution for Jordan's past association and provoked by Jordan's recent harboring of Saddam's daughters. Some commentators have even pointed fingers at Ahmad Chalabi, for his alleged anti-Jordanian bias. Soberer security contacts are focusing on known terrorist linkages between Jordan and Iraq, with an established record of attacks here. ¶3. (U) SEPTEL reports EAC meeting. HALE