AL-HASHIMI DISCUSSES US TRIP, MODERATE FRONT,

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 004696 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/23/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV PINS PTER IZ SUBJECT: AL-HASHIMI DISCUSSES US TRIP, MODERATE FRONT, SECURITY REF: BAGHDAD 4652 Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S) Summary. Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi (Iraqi Islamic Party - IIP) discussed his recent trip to the US and emphasized his desire to speak with Secretary of Defense Gates. On the Moderate Front, al-Hashimi stated that he wanted a "systematic" approach which included guarantees, timetables and accountability. While not committing to the alliance, he agreed to discuss the matter further with other Moderate Front members. He offered his opinions on the new security plan for Baghdad stressing the need to have balance in the troops and joint decisions on senior commanders. Finally, he discussed a conversation he had with a Jaysh al-Islami leader and emphasized that if engagement with groups such as these is to continue, then MNF-I should have realistic expectations about their abilities to fight Al-Qaeda. The Ambassador briefed al-Hashimi on recent events in Baghdad, including the detention of Iranian diplomats and Quds forces (septel). Al-Hashimi expressed appreciation that MNF-I acted as a "real partner" pursuing people regardless of whether they were Sunni or Shia. End Summary. -------------- -------------- POSITIVE TRIP TO THE US, BUT WAITING TO TALK TO SECDEF -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) Al-Hashimi began the conversation stressing his desire to speak with Secretary of Defense Gates at the earliest possible opportunity. He told the Ambassador he wrote a paper outlining his vision for bringing stability to Iraq and would "welcome an opportunity" to discuss his ideas with the Secretary of Defense. The Ambassador promised to look into SIPDIS arranging a telephone call in the near future between al-Hashimi and Secretary Gates. The VP asked about future U.S. troop levels in Iraq, stating that press reports are unclear as to whether there will be an increased number. Al-Hashimi stated that he is "open-minded" about increasing troop levels, saying that he does not trust the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and that they are not yet competent enough to provide adequate security. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador asked the VP about his recent trip to the US, saying he heard it had been a good trip but that people in Washington were confused by al-Hashimi's statement that "there were no Sunni Arabs involved in attacks against Coalition Forces (CF)." Al-Hashimi agreed it had been a good trip and clarified that throughout his meetings USG officials asked him when Sunnis will stop killing American forces. "How can I solve this problem," al-Hashimi asked when there is "no political project to sell and when I do not have support?" -------------- -------------- IIP WANTS TIMELINES, GUARANTEES IF IT JOINS MODERATE FRONT -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) The Ambassador mentioned that the new Moderate Front would like to work with IIP and turn their conditions (Ref A) into a program the alliance addresses. Al-Hashimi responded that he would not join the Moderate Front unless there is a strong statement from the Prime Minister (PM) against militias. Furthermore, a-Hashimi continued, there needs to be a comprehensive plan which includes accountability if programs are not implemented, a timetable for action, and monitoring from an outside source. "I am behind a systematic way of doing things," he explained. Right now, he continued, a "comprehensive plan does not exist," there have been no guarantees from the PM, and there have been no discussions on how to respond to other political groups, such as the Sadrists, who are not included in the alliance. The Ambassador encouraged al-Hashimi to continue working with the Moderate Front and said that Vice President, Adil Abdul Mahdi (SCIRI) would discuss IIP's conditions and how to incorporate them into priori ty items within the Front's program. -------------- -------------- AL-HASHIMI ON NEW BAGHDAD SECURITY PLAN: BALANCE IS KEY -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) The Ambassador updated al-Hashimi on recent developments concerning Baghdad security including a new plan which includes two military teams comprised of CF and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). There would be one military leader who has two deputies. This plan, the Ambassador said, would allow for more balance in the teams. Al-Hashimi replied that he would like to "sit down and discuss" the selection of unit BAGHDAD 00004696 002 OF 002 commanders to ensure there is balance within the ISF leadership patrolling the city and manning the checkpoints. This is critical, he stated. -------------- -------------- IRAN DETENTIONS, VP "EMBARRASED" BY KSA STATEMENTS -------------- -------------- ¶6. (S) The Ambassador then briefed al-Hashimi on MNF-I actions over the past two days which have resulted in the detention of Iranian diplomats and Quds force members visiting Iraq (septel). Al-Hashimi smiled and stated that during his meeting with President Bush he had warned about Iran. He commended the actions saying "our people want to see America as a real partner" willing to go after all sides "regardless of whether they are Sunni or Shia." This, he said, is "a significant achievement." Al-Hashimi then stated that neighboring Arab countries have recently been unhelpful as well. Saudi Arabia, for example, has "put us in an embarrassing situation" with their recent statements about supporting Iraq's Sunnis. -------------- -------------- ENGAGING TERRORIST GROUPS - REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS NEEDED -------------- -------------- ¶7. (C) Al-Hashimi then raised a conversation he had with other Iraqi Sunni leaders prior to the trip to the US to discuss the message he should take to USG officials during his meetings. According to al-Hashimi, a leader from the terrorist group Jaysh al-Islami approached him about a meeting his group had with Americans "some time ago." Apparently, al-Hashimi said, the Americans told Jaysh al-Islami that "if you do not begin immediately to fight Al-Qaeda Iraq, then all dialogue with us stops." This, al-Hashimi said, is too difficult a condition to impose on a group like Jaysh al-Islami at this point. ¶8. (S) The Ambassador responded that when dealing with groups like Jaysh al-Islami the message has been very clear: the people in the discussions need to establish their bona fides and demonstrate their ability to improve the security situation in specific areas; they need to commit to stop killing CF; they need to recognize the legitimacy of the GOI; and they need to show a willingness to fight AQI. The implementation of these points can take place in stages. Al-Hashimi agreed that all of those are critical elements which need to be addressed from the onset. He continued by saying that in order for discussions to begin or continue with other similar groups, issues such as amnesty will need to be addressed. He reminded the Ambassador that he "needs something to sell" to his people and this impacts his ability to engage in meaningful discussions with other political partners and those opposing the government. The Ambassador said he supports a "balanced amnesty program," and that MNF-I, with the PM's blessing, has released "hundreds of detainees," most of whom are Sunni Arab. The VP and the Ambassador agreed that a joint Iraqi and Coalition road map for energizing the insurgents needs to be developed in the coming weeks. KHALILZAD