HASHIMI ON SUNNI SUPPORT FOR BSP, CABINET RESHUFFLE

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000384

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/04/2017
TAGS: IZ PREL PGOV
SUBJECT: HASHIMI ON SUNNI SUPPORT FOR BSP, CABINET RESHUFFLE

Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (S) Summary: The Ambassador gave VP Al-Hashimi a read out
of his KSA trip on February 1, observing that continuing
sectarian violence, the way Saddam was executed, and
perceptions of increased Iranian interference appeared to
have cost PM Maliki credibility with Iraq's Arab neighbors.
Hashimi reported on his recent meetings with Sadrist bloc
leader Baha Al-Ariji and NSA Muwaffak Rubbaie on establishing
joint neighborhood security committees for mixed
neighborhoods. While he agreed in principle to the
committees, the GOI's public announcement of Tawafuq's
acceptance was premature, Hashimi argued, since he had not
yet a chance to consult within the bloc. Hashimi
acknowledged that mobilizing Sunni support for the Baghdad
security plan was a concern; he stated his commitment to
playing a supportive role - if Maliki and others included him
in its strategic planning and implementation. The Ambassador
raised cabinet changes with the VP, noting that Maliki sought
to appoint Iraqi Islamic Party (IIP) Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs Rafaa Essawi as Minister of Health (MoH).
The Ambassador urged Hashimi to work on a list of potential
replacements for the Minister of State for Women's Affairs
Mahmoud and DPM Zawbaie, who the PM was keenly interested in
replacing. End Summary.

--------------
SAUDIS, EMIRATIS SKEPTICAL OF MALIKI
--------------


2. (S) While the Saudis and Emiratis support the Baghdad
Security Plan in principle, the Ambassador told Hashimi, they
appeared highly skeptical of PM Maliki's ability to rise to
the challenges posed by the security situation in a fair and
balanced way. It appeared that the PM has a great task ahead
of him in regaining his credibility in the region, the
Ambassador added. Hashimi said that all Iraqis shared this
skepticism.


3. (S) The Ambassador said the Saudis were in a "wait and
see mode" with the GOI, and it appeared they would not play a
helpful role in the immediate future.

--------------
FORMING ALLIANCES
--------------


4. (S) Hashimi said that when he was in Jordan last (on his
return from the UK, on/around January 18) he attended
meetings organized by the Jordanians, Saudis and Emiratis on
forming a bloc with Fadheela, Hewar, Iraqiya and Tawafuq.
(Note: Hashimi was not certain whether the Fadheela
representatives (especially Nadeem Jabari) had the support of
Fadheela bloc leader Yaqoubi for this initiative. End note.)


--------------
HASHIMI ON SADRIST OUTREACH, BSP
--------------


5. (S) Hashimi commented on Abdel Aziz Al Hakim's recent
statement condemning sectarian violence, noting it was the
"first time" Hakim ever publicly acknowledged Sunni and Shia
suffering. Hashimi said that Baha' Al-Ariji's recent claim
to want to help Iraqi forces "be more positive" was not
enough. He said that Ariji must condemn the massacres
perpetrated by MOI forces. As a positive gesture, Hashimi
continued, Moqtada Sadr should order that the families of
kidnapped victims should be informed of where they can find
the corpses. Hashimi argued that Sadr must go beyond
"freezing" JAM forces - he must dissolve these gangs, and
claim they are no longer part of the Sadrist current.


6. (S) Hashimi expressed support for the joint security
committees idea "in principle." (Note: Baghdad PRT reports
that CoR member Ayad Sammraie and high-ranking IIP advisor
Naseer Al Ani represent IIP at meetings on the committees
with the Sadrists. End note.) However, Hashimi continued,
it is pre-mature to go public since he had not yet consulted
with other Tawafuq bloc leaders on a unified position.

--------------
SUNNI SUPPORT FOR THE BSP
--------------


7. (S) Given that the Sadrists have cleverly come out in
support for the new BSP ahead of everyone, the Ambassador
observed, it would be important for the Sunnis to do the
same. The Ambassador expressed concern over statements from
Sunni bloc leaders like Khalaf Ulayan on the "anti-Sunni"
Baghdad Security Plan. Hashimi said that mobilizing Sunnis
is an area of concern. Hashimi said he would shoulder the
responsibility of convincing the Tawafuq bloc leaders.

BAGHDAD 00000384 002 OF 002


However, he added, he must have an influential role in the
planning and coordination of operations. He also said that
the operations should be carried out with respect for human
rights.

--------------
TAWAFUQ POSITIONS IN THE CABINET SHUFFLE
--------------


8. (S) PM Maliki had settled on Minister of State Rafaa
Essawi as the next Minister of Health, the Ambassador told
the VP, but Maliki had not yet received Tawafuq's proposed
replacements for the Minister of State for Women's Affairs
and the DPM Zawbai's slot. On Minister of State Mahmoud (VP
Hashimi's niece),Hashimi acknowledged that her performance
is lacking and that she should be replaced. He noted that he
had spoken to Adnan Dulaymi about replacing DPM Zawbai, and
while "Dulaymi did not say no, he has not yet said yes." If
Zawbai is replaced, Hashimi insisted, his successor must be
given greater security responsibilities.


9. (S) Hashimi argued that Minister of Defense (MoD)
Abdul-Qadir poses a greater problem than DPM Zawbai; as such,
any cabinet shuffle must include a new MoD. He described
Abdul-Qadir as "unbelievably weak" and "a failure" who has
destroyed the MoD. He said that General Muhan, the new
Supreme Consultant of the MoD (replacing the VP's deceased
brother Aamir Al Hashimi) simply passed over orders drafted
by the PM for the MoD to sign.
KHALILZAD