POST SEEKING CLARITY ON GULF SECURITY DIALOGUE

S E C R E T RIYADH 005266 SIPDIS SIPDIS NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/20/2016 TAGS: PREL PTER MOPS SA SUBJECT: POST SEEKING CLARITY ON GULF SECURITY DIALOGUE REF: A. REF A: STATE 94092 ¶B. REF B: SECURITY INITIATIVES MATRIX SENT TO NEA/ARPI VIA EMAIL Classified By: Ambassador James C. Oberwetter for reasons 1.4(b) and (d ). This is an action request. ¶1. (S/NF) Post is seeking the Department's clarification of the relationship between the proposed Gulf Security Dialogue (GSD) (Ref A) and other bilateral and regional security initiatives that have been previously proposed to the SAG. We have identified no less than 13 security-related initiatives that address Saudi Arabia's regional security role. Post has compiled a matrix outlining the objectives, status and USG agencies involved in each of these initiatives. ¶2. (S/NF) We are concerned that the SAG is growing confused at the multiple initiatives that we are discussing, and that the SAG is hesitant to support efforts that they do not clearly identify as being in their national interest. One notable concern is the possibility that Iran would be invited to join an intergovernmental organization on Gulf security. We believe that the SAG, and likely other GCC states, would be reluctant to participate in a regional security organization with Iran, out of possible fears that Iran would dominate the forum. ¶3. (S/NF) Before Post can further discuss the GSD with the SAG, we need to better understand how the different initiatives relate to each other. Our specific questions are: a) How does the GSD relate to other bilateral and regional security efforts? b) Is the GSD intended to be the 'umbrella' that covers all related security initiatives? c) How does the Department envision the GSD will be structured? d) What role will other USG agencies play in the GSD? e) How will the proposed bilateral A/S level GSD talks be discussed/shared at the regional level? f) How are these initiatives being coordinated at the interagency level? ¶4. (S/NF) Post's Security Initiatives Matrix (Ref B) identifies the following previously proposed initiatives: Regional Security -------------- a) Gulf Security Dialogue b) Iran Nuclear Incentives Package c) Military Joint Planning Committee (MJPC),Strategic Joint Planning Committee (SJPC),Strategic Dialogue Military Working Group (SD-MWG) Counterproliferation and Nonproliferation -------------- d) Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) e) Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC) f) Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) g) Megaports Initiative Counterterrorism -------------- h) Regional Counterterrorism Strategy Initiative (RSI) i) Countering Ideological Support for Terrorism Pilot Country Project (Brain Trust Pilot Project) j) Freedom Agenda Coordinating Team (FACT) k) Man Portable Air Defense System Controls (MANPADS) l) Strategic Dialogue Counterterrorism Working Group (SD-CTWG) m) Critical Infrastructure Security OBERWETTER