RECRUITMENT OF IRAQI TEACHERS IN JORDAN FOR MNF-I

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003585 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/24/2017 TAGS: MOPS PHUM PINS PREF PREL SMIG IZ JO SUBJECT: RECRUITMENT OF IRAQI TEACHERS IN JORDAN FOR MNF-I DETAINEE REHABILITATION PROGRAM REF: HALE / BUTENIS E-MAILS Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (U) This is an action request, please see paragraph 5. ¶2. (C) Deputy Multi-national Force Iraq (MNF-I) Commanding General for Detainee Operations MG Douglas Stone told the Ambassador on October 11 that he plans to travel to Jordan in the near future to recruit Iraqi teachers for positions in the MNF-I Dar al-Hikmah (&House of Wisdom8) program. This program is designed to give a second chance to young Iraqis who were detained for insurgent activities, but are assessed as good candidates for rehabilitation and eventual release through the help of a formal educational program and guidance. The recruited teachers will be assigned to schools in juvenile detainee facilities. General Stone said pilot programs already operating in Iraq have shown great potential. ¶3. (C) At issue is the ability of Iraqi teachers recruited in Jordan to travel freely back-and-forth across the border and return to Jordan at the end of their contract. General Stone assessed it as one of the biggest obstacles to recruitment of these teachers. He added that many potential recruits fear for the safety of their families if they bring them back to Iraq while they work for the USG, but would be willing to live in Iraq unaccompanied during their tenure. General Stone requested Ambassador Crocker,s assistance in working with the U.S. Embassy in Amman and the GOJ to ease visa restrictions for teachers in the Dar al-Hikmah program. Ambassador Crocker cautioned General Stone that there was strong GOJ reluctance to ease visa restrictions for Iraqis, given the high numbers of refugees in Jordan, but he agreed to relay General Stone,s request. ¶4. (U) MNF-I has provided post with additional talking points about the program for use in possible discussions with the GOJ and other interlocutors: -- The first educational center opened on August 12. -- The Iraqi Ministry of Education and MNF-I worked together to develop a core curriculum which meets or exceeds Iraqi educational standards and consists of Arabic, English, Math, Science, Civics, and Geography. -- The target is 800 juvenile detainees who are all nearly illiterate and have been &sold8 into the Al Qaeda employment system by desperate families needing either income or protection. -- Although MNF-I detained these juveniles because of insurgent activities, they are assessed by the USG as good candidates for reintegration into mainstream Iraqi society. -- Today, these juvenile detainees attend a day school and mix with both Shia and Sunni groups as they prepare for release. -- No youth is kept in the program longer than one year, although some have requested to remain as long as possible for their own protection. ¶5. (U) Post asks that Embassy Amman approach the GOJ with a request to allow multiple-entry and exit visas for teachers recruited by MNF-I to participate in this detainee education program. We appreciate Amman's and Ambassador Hale's continuing support in securing visas for priority Iraqi applicants. BUTENIS