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