CODEL PENCE MEETS WITH MINDEF AND MININT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003680

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/06/2010
TAGS: IZ MCAP MOPS KISL PINR PREL
SUBJECT: CODEL PENCE MEETS WITH MINDEF AND MININT


Classified By: Political-Military Affairs Counselor David Litt for reas
ons 1.4 (b),and (d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: CODEL Pence and the Ambassador met with
MinInt Jabr and MinDef Dulime. Both Ministers presented
their views on the positive development of Iraqi Security
Forces (ISF) and gave a brief overview of the progress of
their respective ministry forces. Dulime predicted that ISF
could begin taking over significant security duties in 2007.
In a query from the CODEL about external threats to Iraq,
both replied that Iraq has "few good neighbors." Condolences
were expressed to the CODEL for the damage wrought by
Hurricane Katrina, as was their gratitude for U.S. support to
Iraq. END SUMMARY.


2. (U) In a cordial meeting on September 4 at MOI HQ, CODEL
Pence and the Ambassador, accompanied by A/DCM, met with
Iraqi Minister of Interior Baqir Jabr and Iraqi Minister of
Defense Sadoun al-Dulime. The CODEL consisted of Rep. Mike
Pence (R-IN),Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC),Rep. Ed Case (D-HI),
Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN),and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX).
As is standard ITG practice for formal government meetings,
Jabr and Dulime spoke in Arabic through an interpreter, even
though both are excellent English speakers.


3. (U) Both Ministers commenced by expressing their
condolences for the death and destruction caused by Hurricane
Katrina. They also expressed their gratitude for the U.S.'s
strong and continued support to Iraq. Jabr emphasized the
Iraqi people were noting an improvement in their lives since
the fall of Saddam. He also mentioned how new judges were
being brought in to enhance the rule of law.

ISF MAKING PROGRESS
--------------


4. (C) Jabr and Dulime each gave an overview on the
development of the forces within their respective ministries.
Both cautioned that the struggle against terrorism will
continue to be a tough one. Jabr described MOI's progress
positively, but emphasized that they remained dependent on
continued U.S. assistance if they were to be successful. MOI
was on its way to forming a 135,000-strong police force,
consisting of 40 battalions, 28 of which have already been
constituted. (NOTE: There is no MNSTC-I plan to build an
additional 12 battalions. Jabr may be adding border and
highway patrol forces, both of which are organized as
&battalions,8 but are not ground combat forces.)


5. (C) Dulime was upbeat about MOD's future, commenting on
the progress already made toward reaching 117 battalions. He
noted that 88 battalions were in place and engaging in
operations. Dulime asserted the military's main role is to
combat terrorism. Concurrently, they must respect basic
human rights, be apolitical and address corruption at all
levels. Indirectly addressing the preponderance of Shia over
Sunni in the military, he stated MOD is to be made up of all
Iraqis, with no favoritism to any particular ethnic/religious
group.


6. (C) Turning to what he believed was the CODEL's main
issue, Dulime spoke of when the U.S. could begin to draw down
its troop strength in Iraq. He asked for U.S. patience,
claiming that by 2007 the ISF could begin operating at a
level strong enough to allow U.S. troop withdrawal.
According to Dulime, recruitment levels must reach the point
where the Iraqi Army matches the current Coalition troop
strength. (NOTE: MNSTC-I estimates that the Iraqi Army will
be at full operational capability by the end of 2007.
Significant U.S. troop reductions may be possible before then
if political and economic development complements the growth
of the ISF. Current plans call for the MOD forces to number
just under 106,000 when all are trained and equipped.
Current MOD trained and equipped strength is approx. 86,000.)
He stated continued U.S. funds and resources were needed,
adding that more in-country training of ISF could be done.
Dulime advised that weaponry to combat an insurgency was the
most required equipment, stressing the need for armored
vehicles.

ROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD
--------------


7. (C) The CODEL inquired about the Ministers' views on
external threats to Iraq. Both coyly avoided naming any
particular country as a threat to Iraq, although Dulime
quipped that Iraq had "few good neighbors." They did state
that most of Iraq's neighbors do not want Iraq to develop in
a civilized way. Dulime closed by saying that those
countries that are now working against Iraq will one day pay
a price.


8. (U) The CODEL did not have an opportunity to clear this
cable.
Satterfield