DIYALA SUPPORT COMMITTEE NAMES MEMBERS, FORMULATES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001035 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/21/2017 TAGS: KDEM PGOV PINR PTER IZ SUBJECT: DIYALA SUPPORT COMMITTEE NAMES MEMBERS, FORMULATES A PROGRAM ¶1. (C) In recent weeks, Baghdad-based Iraqi politicians from Diyala province have banded together to form a cross-sectarian group called the Diyala Support Committee (DSC). Building on efforts started in January and February (ref A and B),this committee aims to decrease violence in Diyala through better partnership with Coalition Forces, as well as improve basic services throughout the province. In a March 18 meeting, leading DSC and Council of Representatives (CoR) member Salim al-Jeboori (Sunni, Iraqi Islamic Party) explained his vision for the organization. The DSC, he said, will oversee three other groups focused on security coordination; political and tribal support; and improving services for the province. ¶2. (C) The military working group, he said, will be a coordinated effort with elements from the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in both Diyala and Baghdad, as well, he hoped, representatives from Coalition Forces. This idea was further developed in a March 18 meeting between DSC and senior MNF-I leaders (septel). When asked what type of oversight the DSC could have over a military coordination group, al-Jeboori stated that while they would have no operational oversight, they could assist ) especially if there were Coalition partners on the committee ) with information as to the identities and whereabouts of known terrorists, criminals, insurgents and militia elements. ¶3. (C) For political and tribal support, al-Jeboori said, the DSC will focus on encouraging their cooperation and possible participation with the ISF. The members on the DSC represent some of the most important tribes in Diyala and would be able to influence tribal leader cooperation with the DSC. The tribal leaders would be key facilitators in encouraging recruitment from Diyala residents into the provincial police or other ISF. When asked about the participation within these committees of people currently living in Diyala, al-Jeboori replied that the provincial leaders will be able to nominate individuals to participate in the groups. Finally, al-Jeboori said, there would be a technical group comprised of civilians only who would explore solutions to improve services throughout the provinces. ¶4. (C) Comment. The DSC represents a positive cross-sectarian effort to focus national-level resources on a province which suffers from a myriad of security concerns, including terrorists, insurgents and militias, as well as a poorly-functioning provincial government. There remain, however, many questions as to the role the DSC will play. For example, while the Prime Minister has expressed public support for the DSC it is unclear what authority they have beyond serving as a liaison and watchdog committee. It is equally unclear whether their involvement will be welcomed by Diyala's Provincial Council or the Governor, especially if they are seen as more responsive to and effective in addressing the needs of the population. For now, however, the Diyala Support Committee's first attempt at supporting the people of Diyala has been successful as the PM prepares to send more troops in an effort to eradicate terrorists and improve stability. End Comment. ¶5. (C) Biographic note. CoR members representing Diyala (Ref C) comprise the majority of DSC members. While this may not represent a complete list, the names below are among the founding members of the DSC: Falih al-Fayyad (Shia, Dawa Party): Al-Fayyad is a CoR member originally from Jadidat al-Shat in Diyala province. He is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee within CoR and is also a member of the Higher Commission for National Reconciliation. Al-Fayyad is reportedly close to the Prime Minister. Taha Der'a al-Saadi (Shia, Independent): A CoR member from al-Khales, al-Saadi identifies himself as an independent. He is a member of the Regions and Governorates Committee. He graduated from Baghdad university with a degree in economics and is a former teacher at the al-Noor Charitable Organization. He comes from the Shi'a dominated village of al-Sa'diya, on the western side of Diyala. He visited Diyala on February 20 where he pressed the Provincial Council to meet regularly and replace those members no longer on the PC. Amer Habib al-Azawi (Sunni, Iraqi Islamic Party): Chairman of the Youth and Sports Committee within CoR, al-Azawi hails from a family of Azzawi sheikhs based in Dali Abbas (a town north of the central city of Muqdadiyah). His family has had a long history in politics (ref C),including his older brother, now deceased, who was one of the members of the founding Ba'ath Party Council in the late 1950s. Another older brother, Nizar, was the paramount sheikh of the Azza' tribe and former Transitional National Assembly Member. BAGHDAD 00001035 002 OF 002 Salim al-Jeboori (Sunni, Iraqi Islamic Party): Al-Jaboori is the deputy chair of CoR's legal committee and a lawyer by training. A long-time member of the IIP, al-Jeboori is the party's official spokesperson. Jabbouri was one of the few Sunnis on the Constitutional drafting committee. He was born in 1971 in Diyala province, and was a law professor at Diyala University until he became a CoR member Mudher Saadun al-Jeboori (Sunni, Iraqi Islamic Party): According to ref C, Mudher Saadun is the heir apparent to one of the two most prominent families of Juburi sheikhs in Diyala. Sheikh Mudhher lives in Muqdadiyah and is a member of the Agriculture, Water and Marshlands Committee. Hadi Abdullah al-Tamimi (Shia, Badr): A CoR member on the Endowment and Religious Affairs Committee, Najiha al-Habib (Shia, Dawa): A female member of the CoR, al-Habib is a CoR member on the Martyrs, Victims and Political Prisoners Office. Muayad Saber Hameed al-Obaidi (Shia, Dawa Party): former member of the Transitional National Assembly from the Dawa Party. Tariq al-Mindlawi ) Baghdad Provincial Council Civil Society Chairman. KHALILZAD