BAGHDAD SECURITY PLAN GAINS MOMENTUM

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002997 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/16/2016 TAGS: PGOV PTER KDEM IZ SUBJECT: BAGHDAD SECURITY PLAN GAINS MOMENTUM REF: BAGHDAD 2969 Classified By: COL Kenneth Fisher, PRT Deputy Team Leader, for reasons 1.5 b and d. ¶1. (C) SUMMARY. With the security situation in Al Doura of Al Rasheed District stabilizing as a result of the Baghdad Security Plan (BSP) (reftel),the CF have begun focused stabilization initiatives to normalize the area. To assuage lingering fears of danger and short-lived effectiveness, the CF have started day-labor projects to entice people to return to normalcy, and the PRT is working to re-establish routine municipal services such as trash collection and water distribution. At an August 16 meeting with PRT and MNC-I officers, thankful Al Rasheed District Advisory Council (DAC) members announced complete support for the BSP and a hope to see it expanded to the entire Al Rasheed District. The BSP requires the CF to engage more with the DAC and has in turn caused the DAC to become more reliant on the CF for municipal services and stabilization of the area. While the increased engagement between the CF and the DAC is producing immediate and beneficial results in the short term, it may hinder development of a fully functional provincial government if it continues too long. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) In an August 16 visit to the Al Rasheed DAC weekly meeting and Al Doura local market by PRT and MNC-I officers, district officials praised the Baghdad Security Plan's (BSP) effectiveness in the Al Doura area and called for it to be expanded to the entire district of Al Rasheed. With the recent increased security in the area, residents have begun to return to markets and re-open businesses. However, local contacts noted that many residents have lingering fears of danger and are concerned that gains will be short-lived. Additionally, contacts remarked to the CF that many Sunni and Shia DAC members will not visit areas of the district that were previously hostile to their sectarian group, i.e. DAC members of the Sunni minority will not visit the Shia dominated areas. ¶3. (C) In an effort to support the return to normalcy, the CF stationed in Al Rasheed have begun day-labor projects, such as trash and rubble collection, to bring people out of their houses and to offer economic opportunities. Additionally, the CF has established relationships with local contractors to provide rapid responses to breaks in water lines and electricity outages. With the stabilized security situation and return of other routine city services, Al Doura is beginning to normalize, especially as area residents gain confidence in the initiative. COMMENT -------------- ¶4. (C) The BSP is producing immediate and beneficial effects in Al Doura and has resulted in the CF's greater regular engagement on all local issues. At the same time, however, it has increased the Al Rasheed DAC's reliance on the CF for support and services that should be provided by the Baghdad Provincial Government. As the area normalizes and residents gain confidence in the long-term effectiveness of the initiative, it will be important for the Baghdad Provincial Government to take over its support role to the Al Rasheed DAC. END COMMENT. KHALILZAD