MINDEF TELLS SEN BROWNBACK TERRORISM MORE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000137 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/11/2017 TAGS: MOPS MARR PINS PNAT PINR PREL IZ SUBJECT: MINDEF TELLS SEN BROWNBACK TERRORISM MORE DANGEROUS THAN AIDS BAGHDAD 00000137 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Khalilzad, reasons 1.4 (a),(b) and (d). ¶1. (C/REL MNF-I) SUMMARY: In a January 9 meeting with Senator Sam Brownback, (R/KS),Minister of Defense Abdul al-Qader Mohammed Jasim reported that the Iraqi Armed Forces are progressing but require continued U.S. military support, including additional troops for the next phase of the Baghdad Security Plan. He stressed that 'terrorism is more dangerous than AIDS'; if we do not defeat it in Iraq, the 'disease' will spread, destabilizing the entire Middle East region with grave consequences for the world. Qader blamed increasing ethno-sectarian violence in Iraq on political leaders who have, rather than encouraging national unity, bolstered the divide between communities. Qader suggested the United States intervene to rid the parliament of 'bad' members and support implementation of a national reconciliation plan. Senator Brownback lamented the continued security deterioration in Iraq. He stressed that American support for Iraq has greatly diminished, saying that without dramatic visible improvement in the next few months and a decrease in U.S. casualties, the final elements of support will dry up. Brownback also rejected the theory that additional U.S. troops could 'make a difference in Baghdad,' stating the conflict seems to be a communal civil war that only Iraqis can end. END SUMMARY. CONTINUING NEED FOR U.S. FORCES -------------- ¶2. (C/REL MNF-I) In a January 9 meeting with Senator Brownback (R-KS),Minister of Defense Abdul Qader said the Iraqi Army continue to make positive strides and are increasingly in the lead for operations throughout Iraq. The force continues to grow in size and strength, with new critical equipment continuing to arrive, including communication equipment, armored vehicles, and helicopters for lift and support. Qader said his forces' primary weaknesses are logistics and maintenance, but assured Brownback a strategy was in place to overcome these deficiencies within the year. ¶3. (C/REL MNF-I) Despite this progress, MinDef stressed that U.S. military support is still critical, especially as advisors to fighting units and for logistics and maintenance programs. Brownback questioned the logic of sending more 
U.S. forces to Baghdad since the war seems to be a civil conflict that only Iraqis could resolve. He also emphasized the American people no longer support the war effort as after more than three years, billions of US dollars and over 3000 American deaths, the situation has only worsened. Qader acknowledged these concerns but asked for patience. He stressed additional U.S. forces for the Baghdad Security plan were critical for success and the need was based on a careful military assessment of what was required to secure the city. He assured Brownback that U.S. forces would not be needed after 2007. TERRORISM: THE SPREADING DISEASE -------------- ¶4. (C/REL MNF-I) Qader attempted to persuade Brownback that continued support, including more U.S. troops, is critical by comparing terrorism to AIDS, alleging that terrorism is far more dangerous than the AIDS virus. If U.S. support ended too hastily, Iraq will fall victim to the disease of terrorism and the sickness will then spread throughout the Middle East, destabilizing the region and causing trouble for the international community. He described the war in Iraq as the first world war of the present century. Brownback acknowledged the need to end terrorism but again questioned the root causes of the current unending violence in Iraq, especially in Baghdad where it appears to be a communal civil war. POLITICIANS TO BLAME - A NEW PARLIAMENT NEEDED -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C/REL MNF-I) Asked why enthno-sectarian violence continues to intensify, Qader blamed Iraqi political leaders and their parties. He said these groups are actively encouraging the enthno-sectarian divide. The result is uninterrupted violence in mixed cities and provinces. Qader said the only real solution to the problem is the dissolution of the current parliament and replacement of members with secularists. He suggested the U.S. intervene to make this happen. Once this new government in place, they can work BAGHDAD 00000137 002 OF 002 with the U.S. on implementing the much needed national reconciliation strategy. NEED DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT NOW -------------- ¶6. (C/REL MNF-I) Senator Brownback closed the session by expressing his grave concern with the situation in Iraq. He warned Qader that time is running out for continued U.S. troops and support. The Maliki government must be able to show real signs of progress in the next few months or face the possible consequences of withdrawal of U.S. support. He lamented that after more than three years, over 3000 U.S. military deaths, and billions of U.S. taxpayers' money spent; Iraq seems worse than ever. Qader agreed with the assessment but stressed that he, as an Iraqi, is still optimistic and hopes the U.S. will not give up. Brownback then asked Qader why he thought the campaign in Afghanistan, a physically larger country with a greater population but provided with less U.S. troops and expenditure, was so much more successful. Qader responded Afghanistan neither has the ethno-sectarian issues nor the problems of Iran and Syria. The latter, 'axis of evil', he said is behind the continued chaos as these countries will do whatever it takes to ensure a continued unstable Iraq. KHALILZAD