S E C R E T BAGHDAD 002591

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2016
TAGS: PGOV PTER PDEM KCRM MOPS MARR IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQI REACTION TO ISRAEL-LEBANON SITUATION

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission David M. Satterfield for reasons
1.4 (B) and (D).


1. (S) SUMMARY: Israeli military action in Lebanon has
brought strong condemnation from Iraqi officials across the
political spectrum. No negative reference has been made to
Hezbollah militia actions. Friday prayers were dominated by
anti-Israeli rhetoric, and demonstrations against Israel
reportedly took place in Baghdad and Kirkuk. There are also
reports from Babil Province that Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) is
actively recruiting fighters to aid Hezbollah in Lebanon. END
SUMMARY.

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Iraqi Officials Condemn "Israeli Aggression"
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2. (C) On July 15, Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki issued the
following statement condemning the Israeli air strikes on
Lebanon: Prime Minister Nuri Kamel al-Maliki condemns the
Israeli air strikes on Lebanon and warns of the consequences
for the region of escalation. The Prime Minister requests
the meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers to adopt a clear
position condemning the criminal operations in Lebanon and
Gaza, and affirms that these attacks shall increase the
determination and unity of the fraternal Lebanese people in
confronting the Israeli aggression, which is causing an
increase in tension and upsetting the political map. End
Text. DCM contacted National Security Advisor Mowafaq
al-Rubbaie to express dismay over the PM's unbalanced
statement which made no reference to Hezbollah actions.


3. (U) On July 16, CoR Speaker Mahmud Al-Mashhadani sent a
personal message to the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament,
saying that Iraqis support Lebanon and calling Israeli
aggression "outrageous." In a unanimous decision, the CoR
also issued a statement condemning Israel's actions. In an
al-Sulaymania KurdSat TV interview broadcast July 18,
President Jalal Talabani added his condemnation of the
aggressions against the Lebanese people. In his interview
remarks, he went so far as to call the "war" filthy.


4. (U) On July 17, Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani's office issued
a statement calling for action against the Israeli
aggressions. This statement criticizes those countries
turning a blind eye and describes condemnation statements as
inadequate. The Al-Sistani statement urges the world to act
and stop the aggression.

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Demonstrators Denounce Israel, US
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5. (U) Across Iraq, anti-Israeli sermons dominated Friday
prayers on July 15. Moqtada Al-Sadr released a written
statement read in many mosques denouncing "what the Zionist
terrorist does with the aid from America." One cleric in
Sadr City compared the Israeli attacks in Lebanon with the
U.S. invasion of Iraq, leading to street demonstrations in
which Hezbollah supporters chanted "Down with Israel, Down
with America!" Demonstrators also reportedly gathered in
Kirkuk.

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JAM Recruiting Fighters for Lebanon
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6. (C) According to REO Hillah contacts, a JAM campaign to
recruit fighters for service in Lebanon has kicked into high
gear. Recruitment of females is said to be a high priority,
although it is not known in what capacity they would be
employed. Hazim Al-Araji, a JAM member with high-ranking
relatives in Hezbollah, is reportedly in charge of the drive.
KHALILZAD