IRAQIS DEEM THE AMBASSADOR'S TESTIMONY REALISTIC

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 001114

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/09/2023
TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ IR
SUBJECT: IRAQIS DEEM THE AMBASSADOR'S TESTIMONY REALISTIC

Classified By: Political Counselor Matt Tueller for reasons 1.4 (b, d).



1. (C) Assessing Iraqi reaction to the Congressional
testimony by the Ambassador and General Petraeus has been
complicated somewhat by the GOI's April 9 closure and a
Baghdad-wide curfew, but initial soundings here and in Iraq's
provinces have been largely positive. The most common
reaction thus far is that the testimony has been realistic.
Two sources in the Prime Minister's office, speaking
independently, told us they were struck by the reasoned,
realistic tone and content. One said: "When the Ambassador
described the recent progress as fragile, I understood
exactly what he meant." Our Shia bloc contacts agreed that
the first day's testimony accurately conveyed the reality of
current conditions in Iraq. Vice President Adel Abdel Mehdi
advisor Laith Shubbar commented on the realistic quality of
the presentation, noting that neither the testimony nor the
reaction of Senators produced major surprises. He said he
and other VP advisors would meet today with Adel to discuss
the testimony and its implications for Iraq. Shia
Independent CoR member Qassim Daood also spoke in positive
terms about the testimony. He attached great importance to
concerns voiced by the Ambassador and General Petraeus
regarding Iranian interference in Iraq, adding that he would
raise similar concerns when he meets Iranian government
officials next week in Tehran. Dawa Tanzim CoR member
Abdulhadi al-Hassani remarked on what he perceived as "overly
emotional and often misinformed" remarks of Senators, noting
that the responses to their questions accurately depicted the
facts on the ground in Iraq. In particular, he asserted that
the Ambassador was effective in spelling out the dangers and
consequences of an abrupt and premature U.S. departure that,
according to Abdulhadi, would "throw away all the sacrifices
and losses we have both suffered." Haitham al-Husseini, top
aide to Abdel Aziz al-Hakim of the Islamic Supreme Council of
Iraq (ISCI),complimented the realistic picture of Iraq as
portrayed in the testimony.

Provincial Reactions
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2. (C) The Governor of Najaf told the PRT there that he was
pleased with the testimony -- especially by the references to
Najaf that he heard. REO Basrah reports that Basrawis were
pleased to hear public condemnation of Iran for its
interference in Iraq. PRT Hillah met with a reporter from
Radio Babil, who characterized the testimony as fair and
objective. A correspondent for Al-Wasit, the Provincial
Council's newspaper, was somewhat less informed. "There was
testimony yesterday?" he asked. At least two contacts
expressed confusion over the meaning of the 45-day pause.
Post will report further reactions septel.
BUTENIS