CODEL BROWNBACK DISCUSSES TROOP LEVELS WITH KRG

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000363

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/02/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ
SUBJECT: CODEL BROWNBACK DISCUSSES TROOP LEVELS WITH KRG
PRESIDENT BARZANI

Classified By: Regional Coordinator James Yellin for reasons 1.4 (b) an
d (d).


1. (U) This is an Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Reconstruction
Team (RRT) cable.


2. (C) Summary: At a lunch with CODEL Brownback on January
10, Iraqi Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani said that he
favored a reduction in Coalition Forces to as little as
50,000 and a reorientation of their mandate to training and
support of the Iraqi security forces and military. Brownback
noted that the U. S. would not cut and run from Iraq, but
that a change in policy would be necessary in the coming
year. Barzani said that the Iraqi Kurdish Region would
remain part of a federal Iraq rather than risk abandonment by
the U. S. if it moved toward independence. Brownback
commended Barzani for his commitment to religious freedom and
tolerance in the Kurdistan Region. End Summary.

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Barzani Says U. S. Troop Reduction Would Benefit Iraq
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3. (C) Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani
hosted a lunch for CODEL Brownback on January 10 at the
Presidential palace in Salah ad-Din. Senator Brownback told
President Barzani that despite the difficult security
situation, the U. S. would not cut and run from Iraq.
However, Senator Brownback added, the current policy has not
worked and American policymakers are discussing ways to make
improvements. Asked if a reduction in troops would work and
what timeline might be acceptable, Barzani told Brownback
that the number of troops Iraq is less important than having
a clear role for them to play. Barzani added that a
reduction in Coalition Forces--to as little as 50,000
troops--should take place as soon as possible and would help
to stabilize the situation. According to Barzani, the U. S.
had made a mistake in using its soldiers to perform a police
function in Iraqi communities, and in doing so had drawn
itself into the conflict between Sunni insurgents and Shia
militias, making itself a target. Community policing, he
said, should be performed by Iraqi security forces and by the
Iraqi army.


4. (C) Barzani continued that any dysfunctional Iraqi
military and security units should be dissolved and
incompetent commanders fired. Coalition Forces should provide
training and play a supporting role to Iraqi forces. He said
the U. S. should keep three military bases in Iraq--one in
the south of Iraq, one in central Iraq, and a new one to be
established in the Kurdistan Region. These bases would be a
symbol of the continued U. S. presence in Iraq and serve as a
deterrent to the militias, insurgents, and especially
neighboring countries that seek to destabilize Iraq.


5. (C) Brownback asked Barzani if a reduction in Coalition
Forces would incite more sectarian violence. Barzani
responded that it would cause an increase in violence "for a
few days," but the overall result would be a reduction in
sectarian strife.

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Kurds Prefer Federalism to Independence Without U. S. Ally
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6. (C) In response to a question from Brownback, Barzani said
that independence is the national right of the Kurdish people
and that Kurdish participation in Iraq is based on a
voluntary union. However, he said the Kurdish people realize
that staying in a federal Iraq better serves their interests
than a move toward independence in which the U. S. might
abandon them.


7. (C) According to Barzani, in a federal Iraq the Sunni and
Shia should each establish regional governments and
parliaments in their areas to administer essential services,
security, and judicial functions as the Kurds have done in
the north. The central government in Baghdad should be
responsible for conducting foreign policy, dealing with the
destabilizing interference of neighboring countries, and
ensuring equitable distribution of natural and financial
resources to the three parts of Iraq.

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Brownback Emphasizes Importance of Religious Freedom
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8. (C) Brownback closed the conversation by noting that
religious freedom and tolerance were among the most important
principles for the United States. He said that the ability
of Muslims and Christians to live peacefully in the Kurdistan

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Region illustrates a belief among its people in the freedom
of conscience. He thanked Barzani for protecting these
principles in such a tough region of the world. Brownback
added that faith does not flourish except in an atmosphere of
freedom.
KHALILZAD