PM CHIEF OF STAFF TARIQ ABDULLAH VISIT TO

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001513

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/06/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ
SUBJECT: PM CHIEF OF STAFF TARIQ ABDULLAH VISIT TO
WASHINGTON


Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Daniel V. Speckhard fore reasons 1.4 (
b) and (d).

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SUMMARY
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1. (S) Summary: Prime Minister Chief of Staff Dr. Tariq
Abdullah discussed his upcoming trip to Washington May 6-10
with the DCM in a series of meetings on April 29 and May 2.
Dr. Tariq outlined the concern among Prime Minister Maliki's
inner circle that the U.S. views Iraq through a sectarian
lens, and explained why he does not anticipate a breakthrough
in neither resolving the legislative logjam nor building a
stronger unity government. De-Ba'athification is a misplaced
priority of the U.S., asserted Dr. Tariq. At Dr. Tariq's
request, DCM shared suggested themes for his meetings in
Washington. End Summary.


2. (C) Prime Minister Chief of Staff (COS) Dr. Tariq Abdullah
will visit Washington from May 6 to May 10, accompanied by
Political Advisor Ambassador Sadiq Al-Rikabi and an
executive assistant. They have requested meetings with
State, the NSC, DOD, and an intelligence analyst. Iraqi
National Security Advisor Rubaie will also be in Washington
during the same time period on a separate trip.

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THE US IS "NERVOUS" WHEN DEALING WITH SHIA
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3. (S) Dr. Tariq will bring with him to Washington concerns
that Washington does not recognize the PM as a non-sectarian
leader. He will share his nervousness over efforts by
regional governments to orchestrate the installation of a new
government. He will need reassurance that we have the Maliki
government's best interests at heart. "It seems that the
U.S. government is looking at the situation in Iraq through a
sectarian prism," stated Dr. Tariq in a frank exchange with
the DCM. "Maybe it is because historically you have only
dealt with Sunni governments, and the sectarian atmosphere of
the region is making the U.S. government very nervous to deal
with Maliki," continued Dr. Tariq. "If we can get over this,
then our relationship will be successful."


4. (S) The DCM has assured Tariq that "you are misjudging the
US." While we have serious concerns about Iranian influence
and behavior, it is our interest in seeing Iraq succeed that
is our priority. We are focused on whether the government
can reduce violence through reconciliation and by taking
advantage of the surge in security forces to advance the
political agenda.

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FUNDAMENTALS OF THE LEGISLATIVE LOGJAM
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5. (C) Dr. Tariq believes that our focus on legislative
agenda misses the point of what is driving the sectarian
divide and will not lead to a reduction in violence. He
understands the need to move forward on they key political
items, and assured the DCM that the PM was committed to the
agenda. But he will assert that the Prime Minister does not
have the tools to advance this legislative agenda. Dr. Tariq
stated that the situation in Iraq is very unique because deep
rooted enemies are now trying to share political power. As a
result of the parties' narrow mindedness, he said, they
debate minor items with the same vigor as major issues such
as amending the constitution. In his opinion "the Prime
Minister may not have a lot of room to maneuver, or ability
to take the country in a certain direction."


6. (C) The problem with de-Ba'athification, said Dr. Tariq,
is that until the new law comes out, the PM has no legal
basis to interfere in their business. DCM pushed back,
stating that while the PM cannot tell the de-Ba'ath
Commission what to do, he is the executor of their orders and
could, for example, instruct his ministers to not execute
existing de-Ba'ath orders. Dr. Tariq agreed that this was
possible, but that any public announcement would be difficult
because Chalabi is using inflammatory language to create a
hostile media environment for progress on de-Ba'athification.


7. (C) DCM pointed out that the Maliki government was
approaching its one year anniversary and that the PM should
review his original 22 point program, with an eye to identify
temporary executive orders he could issue to advance that
program. "This would show him to be a strong prime minister
and ensure the continued support of the US," said the DCM.
In fact, the prime minister should plan a campaign of
executive actions that would build momentum on the
legislative framework, recommended the DCM.

BAGHDAD 00001513 002 OF 002



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STRENGTH OF THE UNITY GOVERNMENT
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8. (C) Dr. Tariq is skeptical that the different political
blocs are negotiating in good faith, or that a true unity
government is even possible. He asserts that Iraqi tribal
mentality does not promote reconciliation if there is a
perception that blood was spilled between the parties. Asked
if Towafuq will withdraw from the ruling coalition, Dr. Tariq
replied "they will if you give them the green light." DCM
relayed that the President had called Vice President
Al-Hashemi to underline the importance of staying in the
government." The DCM asked about strategies to strengthen
the government's coalition. Dr. Tariq stated that he had
offered to meet with senior exiled Ba'ath party members in
Syria, but "they don't want to talk - they want you dead."
DCM pressed that Washington needs to see the prime minister
make efforts to create a coalition of support that is broader
than just the United Iraqi Alliance. DCM cautioned that the
government's only chance is to make big, bold moves that will
build confidence in the Iraqi people and the American public.

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RECOMMENDED THEMES FOR WASHINGTON
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9. (S) We recommend that Washington raise the following
issues:

--Ask what the PM is doing to increase the participation of
Sunnis and Kurds in real decision-making.

--Discuss recent steps towards reconciliation, including any
that show momentum on de-Ba'athification reform.

--Explore steps the PM could take this summer to show
progress on the legislative framework.

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LOGISTICS
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10. (C) Political Advisor Ambassador Sadiq Al-Rikabi will
travel on his UK passport and enter under the visa waiver
program. Dr. Tariq and Executive Assistant Hajer Al Rekabi
(a tribal but not direct relation to Sadiq) will enter on
valid multiple entry A-2 visas.
SPECKHARD