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