PRIME MINISTER MALIKI DISCUSSES MODERATE FRONT AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 BAGHDAD 004639 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/19/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV PINS IZ SUBJECT: PRIME MINISTER MALIKI DISCUSSES MODERATE FRONT AND SECURITY WITH SENATORS DODD AND KERRY REF: BAGHDAD 4613 Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki discussed Iraq's political achievements, the formation of a moderate political front, terrorism and militias, and the role of neighboring countries during a December 17 meeting with Senators Dodd and Kerry, accompanied by the Ambassador and DCM. While acknowledging challenges remain and that there was no "magic solution" for Iraq, the PM listed successes the GOI has had and steps taken to promote reconciliation. Affirming that a political solution -- not a military solution -- is required, Maliki emphasized Iraq's commitment to democracy and discussed a newly formed moderate political front. The PM called the Baath party the greatest threat to Iraq's security and expressed a willingness to confront all militia groups, including the Jaish al Mahdi (JAM). Finally, the PM discussed relations with neighboring countries, highlighting promising developments, including a new memorandum of understanding with Syria, and requesting USG assistance to reach out to Arab c ountries who mistakenly believe "Iraq has become an extension of Iran." End Summary. -------------- - COUNTING ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT NO "MAGIC SOLUTION" -------------- - ¶2. (C) Opening the meeting, Senator Dodd commented on the Iraq Study Group's (ISG) assertion that Iraq needs a political not a military solution. Are you optimistic, Senator Dodd asked the PM, that the current political divide can be brought together? The PM responded that the current situation is "very difficult" and that there is not one "magic solution" to Iraq problems because there are multiple issues affecting Iraq. ¶3. (C) On the other hand, the PM continued there have been achievements: there is a strong basis for the current state including a national unity government with a constitution supported by a popular base and political leaders committed to power-sharing. The PM emphasized that Iraq has "worked and will continue to work," citing the political parties conference (Ref A),recent delegations to neighboring countries, the increasing strength of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF),and reconstruction projects. He cited shifts in Diyala and Anbar provinces, stating leaders there have come together to protect democracy and fight terrorism. Finally, the PM highlighted the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) formed within the Council of Representatives (CoR) to look at constitutional issues and propose amendments, a process the PM said he fully supports. With all of these, the PM concluded, "we can achieve success." -------------- THE WAY FORWARD: DEFINING THE MODERATE CENTER -------------- ¶4. (C) Senator Kerry expanded on the issue of the current political divide, stating that Americans are beginning to wonder if "we want democracy more than the Iraqis want it." Kerry expressed concern that while Iraqi leaders say a political solution is forthcoming, all the American people see are old, unresolved issues preventing reconciliation and impeding security. This will make it difficult for Americans to support sending more troops, Kerry said, especially because everyone agrees a political solution is needed. While acknowledging the complexity of Iraq's issues Kerry asked the PM to elaborate on his vision of a moderate center. ¶5. (C) The PM stated emphatically that the Iraqi people are committed to democracy. The Iraqis "will not leave democracy because they have moved through oppression to freedom," he said. The PM noted that those who want to refuse democracy are not the voice of the real Iraqi people. Moderate political forces believe in democracy, the PM said, which is why they are working together on a united front to protect this government and protect democracy. The PM reminded the Senators that three years is not much time for a democracy to establish itself, and if the American people look at what Iraq has achieved they will see good progress. Forming a moderate block, the PM continued, means supporting the constitution chosen by more than 12 million Iraqis and the national unity government which has been elected. While Iraqis may have voted with sectarian blocs, he stated, this does not need to be "the final picture," and exemplifies why "we are working on a united front." The PM emphasized his desire to rid the GOI of "sectarian quotas" and moving beyond BAGHDAD 00004639 002 OF 003 "sectarian language." ¶6. (C) Maliki noted that everyone involved within the political process has agreed to the constitution. However, the constitutional review process is critical, and receives full support, the PM said. Emphasizing that the Sunnis have equal rights, the PM noted that the government represents the results of the constitution and the results of the Iraqi population. The majority (i.e the Shia) should be represented in "a major way," the PM said, while others (i.e. the Sunnis) believe in equal power sharing. The PM added that oil revenues will be shared equally. -------------- PM EXPRESSES WILLINGNESS TO CONFRONT MILITIAS -------------- ¶7. (C) Turning to security issues, Senator Kerry identified extremist Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr and the militia Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) as key problems, although he expressed understanding that al-Sadr is one of Maliki's political allies. The question remains, Senator Kerry said, as to whether the GOI will pursue JAM. The PM laughed and said that al-Sadr is not one of his supporters. He stated his determination to disband militias even if it requires conflict with JAM. Iraq's people and the GOI are defining a national direction which does not support armed groups operating outside of the law, Maliki said. Those that operate outside the law are aware of this and are concerned. This is why they have withdrawn from the political process, Maliki said. ¶8. (C) Maliki commented that Iraq's current environment permits terrorists - local and international - to operate. The PM identified the Baath Party as the most dangerous terrorist group, and commented that they have infiltrated other terrorist organizations and militias within Iraq. The Baath Party has a "contract," Maliki said, with other terrorist organizations to destroy Iraq's current government. It is a good thing, he assessed, that the political forces are working together, because if they succeed terrorist elements will be confronted and eliminated. ¶9. (C) Senator Dodd asked the PM when he believes ISF can assume security responsibilities. The PM responded that if the Amman agreement with President Bush is implemented, meaning that the MNF-I agrees that ISF will take control, then "we should be ready in about six months." ISF needs to take control, Maliki said, of Special Forces operations against terrorists. -------------- -------------- REGIONAL PLAYERS: READY TO PLAY A CONSTRUCTIVE ROLE? -------------- -------------- ¶10. (C) Senator Dodd noted that the ISG report recommended looking at Iraq from a regional perspective. He asked the PM whether he believes Iran and Syria will be able to play "constructive roles" in Iraq's future. The PM responded that Iraq "definitely has to reach an agreement with them" because Iraq will not be able to defeat terrorism with "them feeding it." Maliki expressed cautious optimism that the two countries will start to cooperate explaining that if the situation in Iraq continues they realize Iraq's "fire" will eventually spill to their countries as well. ¶11. (C) The PM stated that National Security Advisor Mowafak Rubai'e and Minister of Interior Jawad Bulani have been in Syria. There, he said, they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding concerning intelligence cooperation and border security. A similar agreement has been signed with Jordan, the PM noted, and Iraq will eventually sign something with Iran. ¶12. (C) The PM identified that one of the regional conflicts is that Arab countries view Iraq as an extension of Iranian influences. The issue of sovereignty is different from religious affiliation, he said, emphasizing that Iraq is "an extension of the Arab world, not Iran." This misconception has led Arab countries to support terrorism because they "think they are confronting Iran." The PM commented that only Iraqis suffer when other countries send weapons through the borders. The PM asserted that Iraq wants to create a "political understanding" with its regional neighbors. The US can help this effort by reassuring neighboring countries that the US will not attack them. The GOI would support constructive dialogue between USG and Iraq's neighbors, the PM concluded, but expressed concern that this dialogue not come at Iraq's expense. BAGHDAD 00004639 003 OF 003 KHALILZAD