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.

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TAMING THE WILD WEST
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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.

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CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM
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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.

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IRAQI-JORDANIAN RELATIONS
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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.

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CORRUPTION - HOT BUTTON
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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.

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ISF DEVELOPMENT
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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