NSB PRESIDENT SHAYKH AHMED AL-FAHD WELCOMES GSD

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 004425 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/2016 TAGS: PREL MARR PARM KU IR GCC SUBJECT: NSB PRESIDENT SHAYKH AHMED AL-FAHD WELCOMES GSD PAPER, GREATER COORDINATION ON IRAQ REF: A) STATE 180168 B) KUWAIT 4390 Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C/NF) Summary: NSB President Shaykh Ahmed welcomed the GSD initiatives paper and said his staff is studying the specific proposals. He noted that on some items, such as critical infrastructure protection, we can and should begin moving quickly. He looks forward to discussing some of these issues with APHSCT Townsend next week. Shaykh Ahmed registered his concern about rising Iranian influence in Iraq, and called for greater coordination between Kuwait and the U.S. in responding to it. He cited Kuwait's great vulnerability to Iranian mischief, and offered to help play a role in mediating between the Iraqi Sunni and Shia communities. End Summary GSD Welcome, Eager To Move on Critical Infrastructure -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C/NF) In a meeting with the Ambassador November 7, National Security Bureau (NSB) Director Shaykh Ahmed Al-Fahd Al-Sabah welcomed the U.S. Gulf Security Dialogue initiatives paper, and said his staff was studying both the Kuwait and GCC regional issues involved. (Note: Shaykh Ahmed led the Kuwaiti delegation at the first GSD meeting on September 5.) He said that some of the issues will take time to study, while others are already underway or can begin without delay. He noted in particular the Critical Infrastructure pillar as one area on which Kuwait is eager move quickly. Shaykh Ahmed said Kuwait is ready for "an exchange of experts and advice," and suggested the U.S. send a team to review security issues at specific sites with their Kuwaiti counterparts. ¶3. (C/NF) Shaykh Ahmed also suggested that the upcoming visit of APHSCT Townsend would be an opportunity to discuss infrastructure security issues, and offered to arrange a tour of one of the Kuwaiti refineries focusing on security measures now in place. He cited the threat from Hizbollah, Iran, and Iraqi Ba'athist's, all of whom he said could potentially target Kuwaiti energy infrastructure. Iranian Threat Growing, Kuwait Vulnerable -------------- ¶4. (C/NF) Citing these threats, Shaykh Ahmed also called for greater U.S.-Kuwaiti coordination on Iraq. He said several things have changed on the ground there. The Sunnis are ready to turn against Al-Qaeda, realizing how destructive its actions have been. They also believe Iran has gained control of virtually all the cities of the south, and is making inroads into Baghdad. Shaykh Ahmed said he agrees with this view, and considers it a threat to Kuwait's security. And while Maliki is a "good man," he is beholden to Shia parties such as "Dawa and Hizbollah," and is allowing Iranian infiltration of Iraqi security services. ¶5. (C/NF) Given these conditions, Shaykh Ahmed worried that "we will lose the Sunnis" to any reconciliation, noting that he has met with some of the Sunni leadership. "Much of what they say is right," he said. Shaykh Ahmed said he feared a situation where Iran is supporting the Shia, while the GCC countries end up throwing their weight behind the Sunnis. This would be bad for Kuwait, which is vulnerable to Iranian mischief, and would affect the stability of the region more generally. U.S.-Kuwait Coordination on Iraq -------------- ¶6. (C/NF) Shaykh Ahmed said Kuwait needs to understand the U.S. strategy for dealing with this "complicated picture." "We need a clear picture from the U.S., or we have to move unilaterally (to protect our interests). And we don't want to do anything unilaterally," he added. Ambassador said the U.S. is very clear on its committment to leave Iraq a stable, self-sufficient entity that will not pose a threat to our friends and allies in the region. Shaykh Ahmed offered to help facilitate dialogue between the major parties in Iraq, noting that he had met and has a relationship with all sides. "We can play a role," he said. ¶7. (C/NF) Iran, said Shaykh Ahmed, stands to gain the most from the current instability. He noted that no one has good intelligence on what is happening on the ground, with the possible exception of the Iranians themselves. Iran may even be able to reach and influence the Sunnis from its current position, he suggested. Kuwait is directly threatened by Iran's rising power in the region. He listed some of Kuwaits vulnerabilities: "the energy sector is vulnerable, foreigners are vulnerable." The bottom line, said Shaykh KUWAIT 00004425 002 OF 002 Ahmed, is achieving better coordination and a clear plan. ******************************************** For more Embassy Kuwait reporting, see: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/cables Or Visit Embassy Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ ******************************************** LeBaron