AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH MINDEF DULIME

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 004002 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/27/2015 TAGS: PREL PTER PGOV MOPS KISL IZ SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH MINDEF DULIME REF: A. BAGHDAD 3797 ¶B. BAGHDAD 3985 Classified By: AMBASSADOR ZALMAY KHALILZAD FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (S//REL MCFI) SUMMARY: On September 24 the Ambassador met with Iraqi MinDef Sadoun al-Dulime. Discussions covered security in western Iraq, the effect of sectarian discord on referendum security, Iraqi-Jordanian relations, government corruption, and the apolitical development of the ISF. END SUMMARY. -------------- TAMING THE WILD WEST -------------- ¶2. (S//REL MCFI) Discussion began with security issues in western Iraq. The Ambassador proposed the creation of a formal advisory board comprising regional locals to develop the most effective tactics and approaches for the Coalition and ITG for future operations in the area. Dulime concurred that such a board would be a good idea but advised caution in selecting its members, since, according to him, western Iraqis residing outside of Iraq (particularly those in Jordan) are not as reliable as those actually living in Iraq. Dulime added that he wants the situation in western Iraq to improve, as it would lead to improved conditions in Baghdad as well. He also noted that he recently met with a delegation from western Iraq and urged them to participate in the upcoming constitutional referendum, without pushing them to vote for its approval. ¶3. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime explained that the insurgents' strategy is to isolate western Iraq through local attacks and make the territory their own. He also indicated that he does not want to "make war" with western Iraq, but he would respond strongly against insurgent factions. Formation of the Desert Protectors, a unit of willing local tribesmen that would be incorporated into the IA for military operations in the West, has begun. This unit will start out small but, if successful, would continue to expand. ¶4. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime characterized the recent Tal Afar operation (Ref A) as a success, noting that a similar operation soon would be conducted in Al-Qaim. When the Ambassador queried him on the status of the $50M pledged by the ITG for Tal Afar reconstruction (Ref B),Dulime answered that the funds are available. -------------- CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM -------------- ¶5. (S//REL MCFI) The Ambassador stated concerns over security for the October 15 constitutional referendum, including Sunni fears of intimidation by Shia-dominated police forces. Sectarian concerns about the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are complicating referendum security planning, Dulime acknowledged. Nonetheless, he added that MOD, MOI, and MNF-I are developing appropriate security plans. -------------- IRAQI-JORDANIAN RELATIONS -------------- ¶6. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime described Iraqi-Jordanian cooperation as good, with positive interactions between their intelligence services. The Ambassador outlined his recent trip there, noting a Jordanian offer of training and weapons. Dulime said he had not received a formal invitation to visit Jordan and conclude an agreement on expanded training, but would welcome it as he desires wider cooperation with Jordan. The Ambassador offered to follow to ensure that this invitation is passed on immediately. ¶7. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime lamented that Amman, through its media criticism of the ITG, has become an ideological center against Iraq. A large amount of terrorist financial support, he claimed, comes from Jordan. However, he praised Jordan's effort to control its border with Iraq. -------------- CORRUPTION - HOT BUTTON -------------- ¶8. (S//REL MCFI) The Ambassador raised the issue of past MOD corruption, which has received media coverage and USG attention. Dulime countered that this corruption was exposed for political reasons and that the amount of money alleged in the corruption case ($1B) is exaggerated. He described the allegations as detrimental, since the MOD's development suffers due to the malfeasance of previous officials. Unfortunately, Dulime continued, corruption is present throughout the ITG. That the MOD was singled out, he concluded, highlights the political motivations. -------------- ISF DEVELOPMENT -------------- ¶9. (S//REL MCFI) The Ambassador stressed that the MOD, along with the MOI, should not become politicized. Otherwise, it would undermine the integrity of the institution, with the potential to lead to civil war. Therefore, it is crucial for the ISF to be neutral. If the central government is perceived as sectarian, it will aid Zarqawi. The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of controlling corruption. He cautioned Dulime to resist pressure from those trying to politicize the security sector. Dulime concurred with this approach. ¶10. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime concluded by requesting USG assistance with continued Iraqi Army modernization, particularly in improving mobility and firepower. Khalilzad