AL-MALIKI SPEECH: EVERYBODY WAGERS ON THE IRAQI

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000482

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/11/2017
TAGS: PGOV PINR XF IZ
SUBJECT: AL-MALIKI SPEECH: EVERYBODY WAGERS ON THE IRAQI
EXPERIMENT

REF: FBIS GMP200702066490002

Classified By: Classified by Ambassador Khalilzad for reasons 1.4(b) an
d (d).

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SUMMARY
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1. (C) Summary: Prime Minister Al-Maliki's February 6 speech
to his military commanders transcended his normal pedestrian
approach to public remarks and reflected what appears to be a
signficant evolution in his assessment of the problems facing
Iraq. He stressed to his commanders their professional
obligations, warned against political interference, took
Iraq's neighbors to task, and reiterated his desire for Iraq
to stand on its own, while acknowledging positively the
assistance received from "friends." A political advisor
assured us that Maliki wrote the speech himself. End summary.


2. (U) On February 6, PM Al-Maliki addressed his military
commanders in anticipation of the launch of the new Baghdad
Security Plan. The speech was carried live on Al-Iraqiyah TV
(ref).

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BROAD PICTURE OF THE THREAT TO IRAQ
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3. (SBU) The February 6 address differs from others on the
same theme by the Prime Minister, in that the PM has moved
away from his previous mantra of blaming "terrorists,
takfiris and Saddamists" alone for Iraq's troubles. PM
Maliki repeatedly stressed that sectarian and ethnic
"sedition" -- in addition to terrorism and rebellion --
challenged the future of Iraq. "The will of the ignorant
terrorists the will of gangs, the will of militias, and the
will of all outlaws, and the will of those who do not wish
Iraq to enjoy freedom, plurality, democracy, justice and
equality will prevail if the will of the Iraqis of those of
Iraqi politicians are broken."

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ADDRESSING THE NEIGHBORS
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4. (SBU) Maliki took broad aim at most of Iraq's neighbors,
devoting a good portion of the speech to those who are
"interfering in our affairs and supporting terrorism." He
accused the neighbors of failing to support Iraq's democratic
experiment because of their own fear of democracy. "Our
brothers, friends, and neighboring countries should have
rejoiced at the abolishment of dictatorship in Iraq, but
regrettably, it seems that dictatorship is the main
characteristic in this region," he stated. "They fear that
freedom and democracy will spread to their countries, and
they have the right to fear because they are an original copy
of the dictatorship that ruled Iraq," he asserted.

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GOAL: END IRAQI DEPENDENCE
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5. (SBU) Maliki acknowledged the support that Iraq does
receive from "those that love us and cooperate with us."
"Although we depended on the friends' support for our
security march, we have to end this dependence and to rely on
ourselves because Iraqi is for us, because the people are our
people, and because we have become vital part of the conflict
between good and evil and between justice and injustice." He
reiterated his confidence in the the strength and honor of
the Iraqi security forces.

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A PROFESSIONAL ARMY
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6. (SBU) The Prime Minister addressed previous complaints by
opposition leaders of political interference in military
operations by giving the assembled officers clear
instructions "to carry out your military orders
professionally and not listen to any politician." "We ask
military personnel not to respond to any invitation to meet
any politician," he added.


7. (SBU) Acknowledging the sectarian reality of the armed
forces, the Prime Minister challenged the officers to avoid
favoritism when they enter same-sect neighborhoods. He
asserted that "we will deal with such a phenomenon in the
field, and we will not allow anybody to be a cover for rebels
belonging to a certain identity."


BAGHDAD 00000482 002 OF 002


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COMMENT
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8. (C) The speech was perhaps the best Maliki has given to
date. Typically uncharismatic in tone, in this address
Maliki not only reflected a new, improved vision but also
echoed an evolution in his conviction regarding the need for
even-handed approach to violence. One of his senior advisors
confirmed to us that he wrote the speech himself.
SPECKHARD