IRAQI FORCES' CHIEF SAYS U.S. SUPPORT VITAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001365

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/21/2017
TAGS: MOPS PTER PREL PINS IR IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQI FORCES' CHIEF SAYS U.S. SUPPORT VITAL

Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Margaret Scobey for reaso
ns 1.4 (b/d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: In an April 15 meeting, Commander General of
the Iraqi Joint Headquarters Babakr Baderkhan Zibari told
Senator Hagel and Representative Sestak that the Iraqi armed
forces are growing in competence, loyalty, and numbers.
Babakr said militia influence on the force was minimal and,
conversely, tribal support was having a positive impact on
security. He cited weak logistics as a crucial challenge,
adding that the army would continue to rely on U.S.
assistance for the foreseeable future. Babakr asserted that
the premature withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq would
result in Iran dominating the region with Syria as its pawn;
a situation that would be greatly detrimental to Iraq, the
region, and the U.S. END SUMMARY.

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Iraqi Army Progressing Steadily
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2. (C) On April 15, Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and
Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) met with the Iraqi General
Babakr Baderkhan Zibari, the Commander General of the Iraqi
Joint Headquarters, to discuss the security situation in Iraq
and the status of the Iraqi Army. Babakr stated that Fardh al
Qanoon was showing good results, but noted that it was too
early to draw definitive conclusions about its long-term
prospects.


3. (C) Babakr said he was pleased with the Army's steady
development into a professional, reliable security force,
noting that, despite the ongoing war, the number of
volunteers entering the army continues to rise. According to
Babakr, the army had approximately 140,000 to 150,000 troops
already trained and equipped, and training academies
continued to meet recommended class sizes. He stated that the
Iraqi Army was "learning to stand on its own" and was now
successfully accomplishing almost any operation asked of them
"without any hesitation."

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Militia Influence Waning
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4. (C) Hagel asked about militia influence in the Iraqi Army,
recalling that in 2005 Babakr had called it his greatest
challenge. Babakr responded that sectarian militias were no
longer a problem for the army and that he had great
confidence in the army's growing professionalism. At the
same time, he acknowledged that sectarian divisions exist in
the national government, adding that this "political
squabbling" was more divisive than any army activities.

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Angry Tribes May be the Answer
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5. (C) Babakr noted that he had repeatedly emphasized to
U.S. officials the importance of supporting tribes against Al
Qaeda in Iraq. Iraq's tribes are apolitical, he asserted,
and are now ready to work aggressively with the Iraqi
government to defeat the insurgency. He stressed that this
great opportunity -- for both the GOI and the Coalition --
should not be wasted.

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Expected Army Improvements and Continued Setbacks
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6. (C) General Babakr said that he expected the army to be
self-sufficient by the end of 2008, assuming additional
coalition support. He said that the Iraqi Army planned to
expand to twelve divisions within the year and expected to
standup a thirteenth division in 2008. Babakr asserted that
this would provide enough troops to secure all major
population areas. Babakr added that he was interested in
doubling force numbers in the south to combat the Shia
militias.


7. (C) General Babakr said that the army's greatest problem
was inadequate logistical capabilities, adding that the army
would continue to be dependent on US support for the
foreseeable future. He highlighted the need for helicopters,
saying that they were critical to the military's rapid
reaction forces and were needed to provide vital

BAGHDAD 00001365 002 OF 002


transportation and supply line support.

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Early Troop Withdrawal Would Benefit Iran
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8. (C) Congressman Sestak noted that "war is politics" and
that the current political environment in the U.S. is
increasing pressure for troop withdrawals. Babakr argued
forcefully that the situation in Iraq was still dangerous and
that a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq would be a disaster for
Iraq, the region, and the U.S. Babakr warned a U.S.
withdrawal would likely result in Iran dominating the region
from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea, with Syria as
its pawn. In addition, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states
would likely become a breeding ground for terrorism.


9. (C) Senator Hagel assured Babakr that the U.S. was "not
abandoning Iraq." At the same time, Congressman Sestak said
that the Iraqi leadership needed to recognize that U.S.
policy on Iraq would be shaped by changes within the U.S.
domestic political environment.


10. (U) CODEL Hagel did not have the opportunity to clear
this cable.
CROCKER