PRT MUTHANNA: QRF PROGRAM EMPOWERS, EMBOLDENS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 004185 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/27/2017 TAGS: PGOV PINS PREL SOCI KISL IR IZ SUBJECT: PRT MUTHANNA: QRF PROGRAM EMPOWERS, EMBOLDENS MARJA,IYYA REF: A. BAGHDAD 3195 Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Greg D'Elia for reasons 1.4 ( b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is a PRT Muthanna reporting cable. ¶2. (C/REL MNF-I) Summary: In a December 16 meeting with the PRT, three leading representatives of the marja'iyya lauded the PRTs work and identified four additional local development projects for USG consideration. The clerics are vital pillars of moderation within the Iraqi Shi'a community and counterbalances to Iranian influence in the wider Shi'a world. PRT Muthanna intends to implement the marja,iyaa proposals in order to bolster their standing in the province. End Summary. ENGAGING THE MARJA,IYYA -------------- ¶3. (C/REL MNF-I) On December 16, PRT Muthanna met with Sayyid Hameed al-Yasiri, Sheikh Sattar, and Sheikh Najih al-Dhalimi. Sayyid Hameed is Sistani's chief representative in Rumaytha and Sheikh Sattar represents the marja'iyya in Warka. The clerics agreed to meet with the PRT due to its successful development and assistance projects, including Ramadan wheelchair and food distributions and Quick Response Fund (QRF) projects that address basic needs such as clean water. ¶4. (C/REL MNF-I) Sheikh Sattar said people had heard a lot about the PRT and the work it had done throughout the province. (Note: Since October 2007, we have completed eight projects, started six more, and have an additional 14 others in various stages of preparation. End Note.) He noted that the PRT had done what it had promised, and that some projects were already complete. &This is very good,8 Sheikh Sattar said. &The needs of our areas are vast and you cannot cover them all, but we welcome your help in the worst areas because helping them is our duty and our responsibility; for this reason we respect and welcome you.8 Sheikh Sattar then proposed two school expansion projects and two village electrical projects, which we will undertake. ¶5. (C/REL MNF-I) Sheikh Najih remarked that he, too, had observed the PRT,s activity. &We have noticed and heard about your good work; we are ready to cooperate with you on any and all projects that will alleviate the people,s misery,8 he stated, and proposed a series of projects for the Albu Khedayr area. QRF PROJECTS CREATE A BOND OF TRUST �0A; -------------- ¶6. (C/REL MNF-I) Sayyid Hameed, the youngest but most educated and respected of the clerics, also praised the PRT: &You have performed good works, and we ask God to bless them. You have met very rapid deadlines. This is evidence of real determination. Your example has compelled us to identify the most neglected areas.8 Sayyid Hameed noted that the PRT proved it had the capability and will to make a real difference in people,s lives. In response, Sayyid Hameed traveled widely outside of Rumaytha and identified four projects ) a school extension, a water pipeline, and two water purification units - that would serve the poor. He said, &The Provincial Council has no intention of helping these people; you are their only hope.8 ¶7. (C/REL MNF-I) Sayyid Hameed stated that by operating openly, keeping its word, and helping the poor throughout the province the PRT had built a bond of trust. &We know that when you make a commitment it is not hollow, but that it in fact it will come true,8 Sayyid Hameed said, adding that this is why he and his fellow clerics had decided to cooperate more openly with the PRT. &With your help,8 he continued, &We (the marja,iyya) have begun to regain the people,s trust, and this is a very great and precious thing.8 COMMENT -------------- ¶8. (C/REL MNF-I) The leading clerics of the marja,iyya are vital pillars of moderation within the Iraqi Shi'a community and counterbalances to Iranian influence in the wider Shi'a world. They have been wary of dealing with us in the past. One way to overcome mistrust and build cooperation with the marja,iyya is a &bottom-up8 approach that focuses on establishing relationships with their representatives in the provinces. Our December 16 engagement represents an example of how we have used QRF to cultivate marja,iyya representatives in Muthanna. BAGHDAD 00004185 002 OF 002 ¶9. (C/REL MNF-I) These representatives serve local communities in the name of the marja,iyya, and are the backbone of the marja,iyya,s influence in society. By identifying and then constructing projects in a matter of weeks, without any corruption, we have caused Muthanna,s marja,iyya representatives to embrace a program of cooperation with us. We are not only stimulating them to greater efforts in their own communities, but we are empowering them by proving they can deliver services to their people. By developing these relationships with Sayyid Hameed and his fellow clerics in Muthanna, we may open other channels that could prove useful elsewhere. CROCKER