FOREIGN MINISTER ON IRAQ, PALESTINIANS

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000106

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/24/2016
TAGS: PREL KPAL KDEM BA REGION OFFICIALS
SUBJECT: FOREIGN MINISTER ON IRAQ, PALESTINIANS

Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) In a January 21 meeting covering several subjects
(septels),Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al
Khalifa told the Ambassador that the Iraq election results
were good because they encouraged all segments of society to
participate in the political system. Iraq needs social peace
and harmony, and political leaders need to agree on a formula
to bring everyone together. Doing so would be the best
defense against terrorism. Shaikh Khalid said that he spoke
recently to Amr Moussa about the importance of scheduling the
proposed meeting of Arab ministers in Baghdad, and Moussa
thought March was a possibility. The Minister said that
Iraq's Sunnis "and we" are worried about Iranian influence
inside Iraq. Iran has "agents all over" the country and
wants to control things in Iraq like it has done in Lebanon.


2. (C) Shaikh Khalid continued that Palestinian President
Abbas needs more help, and could use a gesture from Israel
that would provide a "glimmer of hope" for the future. Hamas
is controlling the street, and Abbas is embattled. Though
Israel demands that he fight Hamas, how can he do this if the
Israelis do not allow him to properly arm and equip the
police force? Hamas and other militants have more weapons
than the Palestinian Authority. We all support him, Shaikh
Khalid said, but Abbas is facing serious enemies.

MONROE