WELCOME MESSAGE FOR CENTCOM COMMANDER ADMIRAL

S E C R E T MUSCAT 000263 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS CENTCOM FOR ADMIRAL FALLON FROM AMBASSADOR GRAPPO E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2017 TAGS: MARR MASS MNUC MOPS PARM PREL PTER KNNP MU SUBJECT: WELCOME MESSAGE FOR CENTCOM COMMANDER ADMIRAL WILLIAM J. FALLON REF: 06 MUSCAT 1369 Classified By: AMBASSADOR GARY A. GRAPPO FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (S) Admiral, I warmly welcome you in your new command. Though I know your immediate attention will be focused on critical issues elsewhere in the region, I want to take this opportunity to highlight some issues related to one of our longest standing and most reliable allies in the region. ¶2. (S) Oman made a strategic decision to ally itself with the United States in 1980, a time when the rest of the Gulf was at odds with many of our policies. Since that time, Oman has supported all our military requests, including massive basing and access at the height of OIF/OEF and Desert Storm. Our WRM sites here are among the largest in the region and have capabilities, such as depot-level total generator overhaul, not available to us elsewhere in the region. ¶3. (S) Because of its geographic location, Oman will remain a key country for U.S. security interests for years to come. In addition to presiding over the shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz, its location makes it a natural hub outside the Gulf to support current or future operations in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq or the Horn of Africa. In the 36 years since Sultan Qaboos assumed power, Oman has transformed itself into a moderate, functional and successful Islamic nation and one in which we can effectively pursue our national strategic objectives for the region. ¶4. (S/NF) For a number of reasons, Oman is unique in the region and the GCC. Politically, Oman has no outstanding political or military issues with any country, including Iran, and its leadership is respected and listened to by other regional leaders. Oman maintains regular political and military ties with Iran, but its strategic relationship lies with the United States (and the UK),and it readily passes information of interest concerning Iran to us. The Sultan is the longest serving head of state in the Arab world and is justifiably viewed as a capable, honest and wise leader. Though Omanis by their nature prefer to maintain a low profile, they engage quietly to help resolve problems in the region. Most recently, the Sultan and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia agreed on an initiative to convene an international conference on Somalia, to include senior representatives from GCC states and countries neighboring the troubled East African country. ¶5. (S/NF) Regional threat issues continue to be a prominent concern for Oman's leadership. Oman is disturbed by Iran's growing influence in the region - including its trouble-making in Iraq and Lebanon - and by its refusal to come to terms with the U.S. and other P5 members over its nuclear program. Nevertheless, Oman's perspective on the Iranian threat is different than that of the USG and even its GCC partners. Instability and sectarian violence in Iraq (which Oman fears could spread elsewhere in the region) and the Israel-Palestinian conflict are two other key regional concerns for Oman. ¶6. (S/NF) Though small, the Omani armed forces are viewed by many as the most capable and professional military in the Gulf. Oman recently hosted the first ever Joint GCC exercise of over 27,000 troops and the event,s planning, logistics and command and control were very well done. Some of the other GCC military leaders candidly admitted that with respect to staff planning and execution, the Omanis are by far the best in the Gulf. However, though Oman remains a strong friend and ally in the Global War on Terrorism, it prefers to maintain a low profile and is reluctant to deploy its forces in support of OIF or OEF or even U.N. peacekeeping operations. Oman has asked for U.S. assistance in ELINT monitoring of the SOH, Gulf of Oman and Iran. ¶7. (S) REFTEL will give you some useful insight into the Sultan's uniquely successful leadership style. He prides himself on personal relationships he has built with U.S. leaders throughout his rule. Knowing that your initial travel to the region will be focused on more critical countries in the AOR, I nevertheless strongly encourage you to schedule your initial visit here as a two-day visit sometime during your second or third trip to the region. Such a visit would go a long way in showing U.S. support and concern for this important regional ally, and allow you time to cultivate the personal relationships that are imperative in this part of the world and that you will need during your tenure as commander. I hope that it will also provide you with a strong understanding of this vital and reliable Arab ally. ¶8. (U) Again, welcome aboard to your new command. My staff and I look forward to supporting you in any way possible and to meeting you soon in Oman. GRAPPO