Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BAGHDAD2083
2006-06-19 16:44:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
SADR CITY CONTACT LOOKS TO START LIBERAL POLITICAL
how-toVZCZCXRO3691 PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #2083 1701644 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 191644Z JUN 06 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5163 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC RHEHWSR/WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002083
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2016
TAGS: PGOV PNAT PTER KDEM KISL IZ
SUBJECT: SADR CITY CONTACT LOOKS TO START LIBERAL POLITICAL
PARTY
REF: BAGHDAD 1957
Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR MARGARET SCOBEY FOR REASONS 1.4 (B)
AND (D).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002083
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2016
TAGS: PGOV PNAT PTER KDEM KISL IZ
SUBJECT: SADR CITY CONTACT LOOKS TO START LIBERAL POLITICAL
PARTY
REF: BAGHDAD 1957
Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR MARGARET SCOBEY FOR REASONS 1.4 (B)
AND (D).
1. (C) On June 11, Sadr City General Information Center
manager Nsaif Jasim told PolOff he and his supporters wanted
to start a liberal, secular political party called the
Gathering of Iraqi Liberals. A brother-in-law of former Sadr
City District Advisory Council (DAC) member Siham Hatab
(reftel),Jasim said his party's platform would advocate a
liberal, democratic Iraq with equal rights for all Iraqis.
Pointing out that some people in Sadr City had voted for Ayad
Allawi and Mithal al-Alusi, Jasim argued that he could garner
votes from some who are only lukewarm supporters of Shia
Islamist parties.
2. (C) Jasim expressed the hope that Shia, Sunni Arabs,
Kurds, and Christians would join his party. He said this
would fit with the secular nature of his effort and could
promote issues-based politics in Iraq. Jasim said he would
like to run in the upcoming Baghdad Provincial elections, and
even participate in the next national election. He requested
USG support. PolOff explained that the National Democratic
Institute and the International Republican Institute conduct
training that may be of benefit to Jasim's party.
3. (C) Comment: As reported reftel, Jasim's sister-in-law,
Siham Hatab, resigned from the Sadr City DAC following Jaysh
al-Mahdi (JAM) death threats to her and her fellow councilor
husband. Jasim appears determined to start a liberal,
secular party in Sadr City, despite the possibility of JAM
harassment or worse. His chances of success are small unless
the security situation in Sadr City dramatically improves.
End Comment.
SPECKHARD
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2016
TAGS: PGOV PNAT PTER KDEM KISL IZ
SUBJECT: SADR CITY CONTACT LOOKS TO START LIBERAL POLITICAL
PARTY
REF: BAGHDAD 1957
Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR MARGARET SCOBEY FOR REASONS 1.4 (B)
AND (D).
1. (C) On June 11, Sadr City General Information Center
manager Nsaif Jasim told PolOff he and his supporters wanted
to start a liberal, secular political party called the
Gathering of Iraqi Liberals. A brother-in-law of former Sadr
City District Advisory Council (DAC) member Siham Hatab
(reftel),Jasim said his party's platform would advocate a
liberal, democratic Iraq with equal rights for all Iraqis.
Pointing out that some people in Sadr City had voted for Ayad
Allawi and Mithal al-Alusi, Jasim argued that he could garner
votes from some who are only lukewarm supporters of Shia
Islamist parties.
2. (C) Jasim expressed the hope that Shia, Sunni Arabs,
Kurds, and Christians would join his party. He said this
would fit with the secular nature of his effort and could
promote issues-based politics in Iraq. Jasim said he would
like to run in the upcoming Baghdad Provincial elections, and
even participate in the next national election. He requested
USG support. PolOff explained that the National Democratic
Institute and the International Republican Institute conduct
training that may be of benefit to Jasim's party.
3. (C) Comment: As reported reftel, Jasim's sister-in-law,
Siham Hatab, resigned from the Sadr City DAC following Jaysh
al-Mahdi (JAM) death threats to her and her fellow councilor
husband. Jasim appears determined to start a liberal,
secular party in Sadr City, despite the possibility of JAM
harassment or worse. His chances of success are small unless
the security situation in Sadr City dramatically improves.
End Comment.
SPECKHARD