AMMAR HAKIM TO SATTERFIELD: CRISIS OF TRUST IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003933 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/04/2017 TAGS: PGOV IR IZ SUBJECT: AMMAR HAKIM TO SATTERFIELD: CRISIS OF TRUST IN IRAQI GOVERNMENT Classified By: PolCouns Matt Tueller for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: In a December 2 meeting with S/I David Satterfield and Polcouns, Ammar al-Hakim expressed support for a strategic U.S.-Iraq relationship, shared his concern over U.S. policy on tribal engagement and a crisis of trust in the Iraqi government, and outlined a non-sectarian vision of democracy in Iraq. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Satterfield opened by saying that in the new year the U.S. hoped to pursue a strategic approach to its relationship with Iraq, focusing on improving the functioning of government and ability to move forward national reconciliation and progress on the Long Term Strategic Relationship. Hakim approved of the approach and outlined the two steps to a strategic U.S. - Iraq agreement, the first being the extension of the UNSCR mandate and the second the declaration of principles. Hakim promised that ISCI would continue to support the PM in this effort and encourage other parties as needed. ¶3. (C) Hakim expressed worry over the U.S. policy of tribal engagement, repeatedly saying that Iraq "is composed of many colors, and a policy of one color is inappropriate for all places in Iraq." He asked why the U.S. supported the creation of armed groups separate from GOI security forces. Satterfield stressed that the incorporation of tribal members into national institutions was critical. He explained that only 20% of CLC members would eventually join the security forces, but that the government needed to give all CLC members employment and a role in society. Hakim responded that he heard similar statements through the past year but the situation on the ground was unchanged. ¶4. (C) Hakim shifted the conversation slightly, complaining about the separation of Sunni and Shi'a residents in Baghdad and remarking that "Iraqis have suffered from discrimination throughout our history. With each political change comes a new form of discrimination." He pointed to Kurdistan, where he said Arabs were now second-class citizens under the Kurds. Hakim emphasized that the new Iraq need to be founded on equality rather than sectarian divisions. Hakim said there was "a crisis of trust" in the Iraqi government. "The oil law benefits all Iraqis but is delayed," he explained, "and the leaders have agreed to the de-Ba'ath law but still it causes controversy in parliament." Hakim approvingly quoted a saying from POTUS that "the train is going and people can choose whether to ride it, but the train won't stop or slow down for anyone." He compared a working democracy to a family, saying that a father and son, or husband and wife, can disagree on daily matters but still remain together. ¶5. (C) Turning to the issue of neighboring countries, Satterfield said that Saudi Arabia and UAE continue to be difficult. He explained that the Saudis "refer to Shi'a as safaween (Persian) and see Iraq as a place of never-ending confrontation between Shi'a and Sunni, Persians and Arabs." He emphasized that the U.S. finds these views repugnant and sees Iraq as a point of reconciliation between the Shi'a and Sunni. BUTENIS