BADR HEAD CALLS FOR EMPOWERING LOCALS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001882 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2017 TAGS: PGOV PTER MOPS MCAP MARR PINS PNAT IZ SUBJECT: BADR HEAD CALLS FOR EMPOWERING LOCALS REF: A. BAGHDAD 1837 ¶B. BAGHDAD 1742 Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C/REL MNF-I) SUMMARY: At a 3 June meeting of the joint Coalition - Iraqi Security Committee, Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq deputy and Badr Organization leader Hadi al-Amri outlined to Embassy and MNF-I officials several issues that he feels are critical for establishing security, including: creating popular committees; intelligence sharing; and training local groups to serve as auxiliary security forces. Amri asserted that tangible support to local leaders would help reverse Iraqi suspicions of Coalition motives and help to lessen the insurgency's appeal. Amri repeated his call for the government to create additional Anbar Salvation Council-type organizations around the country. END SUMMARY. -------------- AMRI: EMPOWER THE LOCALS -------------- ¶2. (C/REL MNF-I) At the fourth meeting between Coalition, Embassy, and Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) on 3 June, ISCI deputy and Badr Organization leader Hadi al-Amri insisted Al-Qaeda in Iraq has not ceased its intimidation campaign of Iraqis, noting their recent threats to destroy shrines and bridges in spite of Fardh al Qanoon. To win, Amri said, Iraq needs a revised security plan. The Coalition and GOI must gain the Iraqis' trust by making them active participants in improving their own communities. Amri stressed to MNF-I's Major General Winfield Scott and A/Pol-Mil Counselor his belief that local people can best establish their communities' security. ¶3. (C/REL MNF-I) Amri claimed that if the Coalition and GOI provided Baghdad neighborhoods with intelligence and light arms, they could defeat the violent groups themselves. He added that the future joint Coalition-ISCI meetings should develop mechanisms to improve the use of intelligence from neighborhoods. He cited the recent community actions in Al Ameriyah against AQI as an example for anti-AQI actions across the country. (Note: In the last few days of May, sheikhs in the Al-Ameriyah neighborhood of Baghdad called on citizens to fight AQI, resulting in an ongoing street battle.) -------------- POPULAR COMMITTEES: THE MISSING LINK -------------- ¶4. (C/REL MNF-I) Amri asserted that neighborhood watches or popular committees could provide an important nexus between the GOI, the Coalition, and the people, adding that it was unfortunate the US had rejected this idea earlier. (Note: Amri was possibly referring to the Popular Committees Ahmed Chalabi attempted to create in the early months of Fardh al Qanoon.) Amri agreed with MG Scott's comments that establishing committees, especially in mixed communities, could heighten sectarian divisions but said it was important they reflect the populations they serve. Amri asserted that he had advised the Coalition two years ago to empower the tribes in order to establish security, and now they are proving him correct in Al Anbar. Now, he said, it is time to do the same in Baghdad's neighborhoods. -------------- EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNITS MAY BE AN ANSWER -------------- ¶5. (C/REL MNF-I) Amri reiterated his support for developing organizations similar to the Anbar Salvation Council across the country. He highlighted areas such as Samarra and Naseriah, where JAM has a free reign despite the presence of Iraqi security forces. He said that with the right training and supplies, local tribes could defeat the militias and restore order. Amri hoped Prime Minister Maliki would decide to support this initiative. (Note: Amri is likely referring to the planned Emergency Response Units. Maliki had been reluctant to agree to the concept, concerned that the Iraqi Government could end up creating more militias.) -------------- LOCALS CAN ASSIST IN SERVICES -------------- ¶6. (C/REL MNF-I) General Scott noted that as FAQ progresses BAGHDAD 00001882 002 OF 002 it will create a brief window of opportunity to win popular support. Rapid economic and infrastructure improvements must immediately follow any military success, he emphasized, and Amri agreed, asserting that once a basic level of security is established, people would quickly shift their focus to establishing services in their neighborhoods. -------------- AMRI: WE ARE NOW IN THE SAME BOAT -------------- ¶7. (C/REL MNF-I) The A/PolMilCouns noted that previously the main U.S. focus had been to transition from Coalition control to a strong Iraqi Government. We realize now, however, that population security should have been our first priority. Amri agreed that our collective thinking has come "closer to reality." He believed President Bush has been the only one to articulate the true condition of Iraq and the Iraqi people, and warned a premature withdrawal would result in us fighting Al Qeada on U.S. soil." Amri concluded we are all "in the same boat now," and said he looked forward to continuing these joint Coalition-ISCI dialogues. Topics for future meetings included: --Mechanisms for gathering information from locals --Forming local committees without creating more militias --Using of tribes to stabilize communities --Ways to achieve stability in Sadr City --Enhancing essential services --Ideas for strengthening FAQ --Improving Iraqi Armed security forces ¶8. (C/REL MNF-I) Amri undertook to send a paper detailing his plans to create popular communities before the next meeting when it will be the focus of the discussion. CROCKER