DEPUTY SPEAKER OF COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES:

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002825

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/05/2016
TAGS: PGOV IZ PREL
SUBJECT: DEPUTY SPEAKER OF COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES:
PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEAKER AND FEAR OF BAATHISTS

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Speckhard per 1.4(b) and
(d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: During an August 4 introductory call with the
DCM, Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives Shaykh
Khalid Al-Attiya described the agenda of the CoR in
September, growing dismay across party lines regarding the
behavior of Speaker Mashadani, and his belief that 99% of all
violence in Iraq is attributable to the Baath Party. END
SUMMARY.


2. (C) On August 4, during an introductory call with the DCM,
Shaykh Khalid Al Attiyah described the challenges facing the
Council of Representatives. After the summer recess in
September, he expects the CoR to convene the committee to
review the Constitution, even though there is a common desire
to postpone the review. Shaykh Khalid said the CoR faces a
deadline to complete a new law to regulate the regions and
governorates. He expects the CoR to finish the investment
law, the Independent Election Commission law, and some human
rights legislation. He said the CoR has a lot of problems,
many stemming from simple lack of experience in
self-government. A major problem is CoR Speaker Mahmoud
Mashadani; the Sunni coalition itself is expressing qualms
about his behavior. Mashadani travels without consulting
anyone and issues statements contrary to government policy or
Iraq's interests. Mashadani did not coordinate his current
travel schedule to Egypt, Syria, and Jordan with anyone. His
behavior in the Council is creating managerial problems.
Shaykh Khalid said that Mashadani's behavior has been
discussed in the Political Committee for National Security
and would be discussed again. Mashadani's behavior is
worsening.


3. (C) The DCM briefed Shaykh Khalid on planning for Phase II
of the Baghdad Security Plan, on economic support and
increased security measures. Shaykh Khalid agreed that the
security situation is worrisome and that people desire to see
more CF and ISF on Baghdad streets. Shaykh Khalid said he
understands the Baathists cause 99% of the violence in
Baghdad. He acknowledged that some attribute the violence to
the militias and gangs, but believes that the Baathists are
the main source. Even the Green Zone was taking IDF attacks.
Shaykh Khalid hoped for increased cooperation between CF and
GOI. The DCM explained that militia activity is very
significant and heavily contributes to the cycle of violence:
a VBIED or suicide bombing in Baghdad prompted a major
revenge attack, which then prompted revenge for the revenge.
Shaykh Khalid said essentially all political parties in Iraq
now have militias--even individual politicians have hundreds
of armed men protecting them. One could not expect people to
control their feelings and reactions after witnessing the
massacre of innocent people. He insists that Iraq and the CF
must strike at the "roots" of insurgency and resistance.


4. (C) In response to the DCM's request for insight into
political tensions within the Shia community, Shaykh Khalid
said most Shia accept the authority of the mainline
marja'iya. Even Sadrists have accepted the need to work
through the political process. Shaykh Khalid was very
optimistic about Shia stability and respect for the rule of
law.


5. (C) When asked about the timing for the introduction of
hydrocarbon legislation, Shaykh Khalid said that the
constitution was very clear on oil. Known oil reserves
belong to the central government in consultation with the
regions; even though he said the Constitution is not clear on
future reserves, he thinks there is a consensus on the
central government's overall responsibility for the oil and
gas sector. Shaykh Khalid believes that foreign investors
would not be comfortable dealing with any authority other
than the central government.


6. (C) On the Constitutional review process, Shaykh Khalid
said he is keen to complete it. Most political forces fear
approaching the Constitution, not wanting to bear further
conflict or tension. Even the Sunni parties do not seem
rushed to reopen these questions. On amnesty and national
reconciliation, Shaykh Khalid thinks Debaathification will be
solved as part of the reconciliation process. He said there
are conflicting views on amnesty. Pardons and release of
prisoners sound good to some, but who really wants thousands
of terrorists and Baathists to be released? Shaykh Khalid
said he is not satisfied with current thinking on this issue.
The Baathists are experts and, if allowed, could affect the
political process. The street, he said, feels the Baathists
were never fully confronted after liberation. Saddam Hussein
is still alive and giving speeches at this trial. The Baath,
he concluded, is the cancer of Iraq.
KHALILZAD