DPM ZOUBAI ON SUNNI PARTICIPATION AND IRANIAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 001982

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/16/2017
TAGS: IZ
SUBJECT: DPM ZOUBAI ON SUNNI PARTICIPATION AND IRANIAN
INFLUENCE


Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Speckhard for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: On June 10, DCM Speckhard met with Deputy
Prime Minister (DPM) Salam Zoubai. The DPM bemoaned the
continued marginalization of Sunni leaders within the
political process, citing specific problems his office has
faced in gaining access to allocated funds. The DPM warned
about the dangers of increasing Iranian influence noting the
result would be the imposition of a strict religious ideology
on the political process. END SUMMARY.

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DPM Bemoans Sunni Marginalization within the GOI
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2. (C) DPM Zoubai initiated discussions by describing a
lack of Government of Iraq (GoI) commitment and by lamenting
restrictions to rebuilding Iraq. He stated that "time is
working against us." Zoubai assured the DCM that although the
GoI possesses the capacity, restrictions have been imposed
upon the government, and these restrictions hinder the
government's ability to accomplish work. For example, DPM
Zoubai's office is officially allocated 20 billion ID from
the GoI budget to fund administrative requirements. However,
his accountant has been denied access to the money by the
Prime Minister's Office.


3. (C) DPM Zoubai vigorously suggested a conscious effort
by the GoI to limit Sunni participation to the periphery.
The DPM provided several specific examples, including the
MoI's recently proposed reorganization and the GoI's
delegation to the United Arab Emirates which both greatly
limited Sunni involvement. The DPM concluded by stating,
"Prime Minister Maliki does not empower Sunni politicians."
The DCM responded that the USG is similarly concerned about
Sunni participation within the political process, but equally
disturbed by recent efforts of Sunni outsiders to disrupt the
national unity government. The DCM reiterated the need for
the GoI to move forward with issues that unite the people of
Iraq.

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DPM Warns of the Dangers of Iranian Interference
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4. (C) Zoubai cautioned DCM Speckhard that the increased
GoI relationship with Iran is dangerous and described a new
GoI security agreement with the Iranian government. (NOTE:
specific details of the security agreement were not
mentioned. END NOTE) DPM Zoubai also ominously warned that
an American loss in Iraq would result in greater Iranian
influence and imposition of strict religious ideology.

CROCKER