Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05BAGHDAD3752
2005-09-12 11:35:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:  

A SHIFT OF POWER IN THE PM'S OFFICE

Tags:  PGOV PREL IZ 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003752 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/12/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ
SUBJECT: A SHIFT OF POWER IN THE PM'S OFFICE

Classified By: POLCOUNS ROBERT FORD FOR REASONS
1.4 (B) AND (D).

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003752

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/12/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ
SUBJECT: A SHIFT OF POWER IN THE PM'S OFFICE

Classified By: POLCOUNS ROBERT FORD FOR REASONS
1.4 (B) AND (D).


1. (C) SUMMARY: There have been more shake-ups at the Prime
Ministry. Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister Adnan Ali
Al-Khadimi has unofficially usurped the role of the PM's
Chief of Staff. Khadimi's consolidation of power has led to
resentment among key PM staffers. His failure to prioritize
and delegate has created a bottleneck delaying
decision-making and implementation on several projects.
END SUMMARY.


2. (C) The shift of power to Khadimi has been evident during
recent high level visits, including that of the Jordanian PM
(septel) and US congressional delegations. PM's Chief of
Staff Abdul Aziz Al-Tamini has been absent or seated farthest
from the PM, while Khadimi occupies the closest staff seat to
the PM. Last week, with a forced smile, Al-Tamini told
PolOff to consult with Adnan Ali on upcoming PM projects.
Recently, Shi'a political figure Saad Saleh Jabr told PolOff
that he and Khadimi are the only two PM advisors left. He
then whispered that Adnan got rid of the rest.


3. (C) Conversations with key PM staffers indicate a growing
resentment towards Khadimi's unwillingness to delegate. PM's
Chief of Protocol Jassim Msawil griped to PolOff that he is
not part of this year's PM UNGA
delegation and has absolutely nothing to do with its
planning. Msawil added that he is not even in control of
filing visa applications and spouted, "Everything is in Adnan
Ali's back pocket!" PM Spokesperson Laith Kubba is
formally in charge of advancing the PM's upcoming trip to the
US. On repeated occasions Kubba has told PolOff, that "all
details rest with Adnan." Al-Khadimi designated Haidar Abadi
to be the ITG POC on humanitarian assistance and
reconstruction task forces regarding Tall'Afar, yet he
continues to chair
or co-chair all meetings. He also appears to have the PM's
ear on how Ja'afari relates to President Talabani.


4. (C) COMMENT: Khadimi is an action-oriented staffer who is
comfortable with Americans and seeks results. We see him
everywhere now - from Tal Affar planning to the Saddam trial
to the Jordanian PM visit. Planning on Tal Affar has been
delayed at times because Khadimi insists on doing the
scheduling himself. Details about the upcoming Ja'afari trip
fell through cracks because Khadimi failed to delegate them
to other PM staffers. Ultimately, Ja'afari is responsible
for the leadership and organizational shortcomings of his
team. The power shifts and in-house rivalries among his
staff members would normally be of secondary importance to
the fundamental question of the PM's effectiveness.
Khadhimi's management style -- by no means unique in the
Iraqi context -- is a notable factor behind the problems of
the PM's office. END COMMENT.
Satterfield