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.

Tags:  PNAT PREL IR IZ 
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VZCZCXRO6820
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."

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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