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. -------------- Iraqi Army Progressing Steadily -------------- ¶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." -------------- Militia Influence Waning -------------- ¶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. -------------- Angry Tribes May be the Answer -------------- ¶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. -------------- -------------- Expected Army Improvements and Continued Setbacks -------------- -------------- ¶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. -------------- Early Troop Withdrawal Would Benefit Iran -------------- ¶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