Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BAGHDAD338
2006-02-06 10:46:00
SECRET
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
ALLAWI SAYS IRAN STRONGER IN IRAQ THAN U.S.
how-toVZCZCXRO6820 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK RUEHMOS DE RUEHGB #0338 0371046 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 061046Z FEB 06 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2497 RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
S E C R E T BAGHDAD 000338
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2026
TAGS: PNAT PREL IR IZ
SUBJECT: ALLAWI SAYS IRAN STRONGER IN IRAQ THAN U.S.
Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
S E C R E T BAGHDAD 000338
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2026
TAGS: PNAT PREL IR IZ
SUBJECT: ALLAWI SAYS IRAN STRONGER IN IRAQ THAN U.S.
Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (S) At a February 1 dinner with the Ambassador, Dr. Ayad
Allawi said that there is "unchecked Iranian involvement in
Iraq." Allawi specifically cited the new constitution's
provisions on federalism and decentralization as well as
Iranian institution-building within the Iraqi Security Forces
(ISF) as examples of Iran's influence. Allawi stated frankly
that it is "too late to stop Iran."
--------------
IRAN: STRONGER THAN THE U.S. IN IRAQ
--------------
2. (S) Allawi claimed that Iraqis are unsure as to U.S.
policy toward Iran. Although Allawi said he would welcome
Iran as a constructive power, he added that Iran interferes
in Iraq's internal affairs. Iran is stronger on the ground
than the US, Allawi concluded, with more assets, resources,
and people. He then stated that Iran is creating a favorable
environment for itself in Iraq through its support of media
outlets (television and radio stations).
3. (S) Allawi said that the vanishing middle class, failing
government institutions, and stagnant economy in Iraq have
paved the way for further Iranian intervention. This has
affected the Iraqis' perception of the US, he told
Ambassador, adding that the situation has been exacerbated by
the growth of Shia militias, excessive de-Ba'athification,
and political use of corruption allegations.
--------------
SISTANI: DIVIDER, NOT UNITER
--------------
4. (S) Allawi said he respects Ayatollah Sistani's role, but
he described him as divisive and not a unifier. Sistani,
Allawi argued, has divided Iraqi Shias into two groups: a
silent majority of secularists and a vocal minority of
Islamists. He told the Ambassador that the silent majority
is too afraid to cross Sistani. Allawi alleged that Iran is
a major force behind Sistani, pointing out that the Badr
Corps provides the outer ring of security to Sistani's
headquarters in Najaf.
KHALILZAD
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2026
TAGS: PNAT PREL IR IZ
SUBJECT: ALLAWI SAYS IRAN STRONGER IN IRAQ THAN U.S.
Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (S) At a February 1 dinner with the Ambassador, Dr. Ayad
Allawi said that there is "unchecked Iranian involvement in
Iraq." Allawi specifically cited the new constitution's
provisions on federalism and decentralization as well as
Iranian institution-building within the Iraqi Security Forces
(ISF) as examples of Iran's influence. Allawi stated frankly
that it is "too late to stop Iran."
--------------
IRAN: STRONGER THAN THE U.S. IN IRAQ
--------------
2. (S) Allawi claimed that Iraqis are unsure as to U.S.
policy toward Iran. Although Allawi said he would welcome
Iran as a constructive power, he added that Iran interferes
in Iraq's internal affairs. Iran is stronger on the ground
than the US, Allawi concluded, with more assets, resources,
and people. He then stated that Iran is creating a favorable
environment for itself in Iraq through its support of media
outlets (television and radio stations).
3. (S) Allawi said that the vanishing middle class, failing
government institutions, and stagnant economy in Iraq have
paved the way for further Iranian intervention. This has
affected the Iraqis' perception of the US, he told
Ambassador, adding that the situation has been exacerbated by
the growth of Shia militias, excessive de-Ba'athification,
and political use of corruption allegations.
--------------
SISTANI: DIVIDER, NOT UNITER
--------------
4. (S) Allawi said he respects Ayatollah Sistani's role, but
he described him as divisive and not a unifier. Sistani,
Allawi argued, has divided Iraqi Shias into two groups: a
silent majority of secularists and a vocal minority of
Islamists. He told the Ambassador that the silent majority
is too afraid to cross Sistani. Allawi alleged that Iran is
a major force behind Sistani, pointing out that the Badr
Corps provides the outer ring of security to Sistani's
headquarters in Najaf.
KHALILZAD