SCIENTIST REDIRECTION PROGRAM: EMBASSY

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 002179

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/2018
TAGS: PARM PGOV PTER IZ
SUBJECT: SCIENTIST REDIRECTION PROGRAM: EMBASSY
PERSPECTIVES AND PROPOSALS

Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker. Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d).


1. (S) In the wake of the January 8 kidnapping and subsequent
recovery of bio-weapons specialist, Dr. Nassir Hindawi, there
have been discussions both in Washington and Baghdad of
whatever adjustment of the program was required. Initially,
the debate focused on mass relocation of all of the
scientists remaining in Iraq and their families to the U.S.


2. (S) For reasons discussed below, Embassy Baghdad
recommends a more differentiated approach, which would focus
on fulfillment of the original intent of the program here in
Iraq, but would hold open the possibility of relocation in
the event of confirmed security concerns. The presence of
the Legal Attach and the Office of Hostage Affairs (OHA) at
Post permits us to interview program members who believe
their lives are threatened or who have received threats, to
determine if the nature of the threat is related to their
profession or for financial gain by would-be kidnappers. We
note that individuals who face a genuine security threat can
be taken on short notice to a secure facility in the
International Zone.


3. (S) We intend to investigate all such claims by program
members to ensure their welfare and as part of a more
institutionalized approach Post takes towards this program.
The resulting information and evaluation will be used to form
the basis for any interagency consideration of relocation to
the U.S. or a third country, as well as a determination that
the individual does not pose a threat to the U.S. or a third
country. Likewise, we would like to work with the
interagency to develop guidelines, procedures, and criteria
to handle instances in which program members have received
threats to determine the best course of action.


4. (S) The security situation in Iraq has improved steadily,
particularly in Baghdad where most, if not all of the program
members live. Recent security operations undertaken by the
GOI in Sadr City, the north, and in the southeast have had a
significant impact on criminal activities through detention
of individuals, disruption of networks and the departure of a
number of militia members from the areas in which security
operations are occurring. These areas remain under the
control of the Iraqi Security Forces.


5. (S) Within this improved security situation, there has
been improvement in ministerial capacity and the initiation
of new projects. Embassy will seek out local employment for
those program members with the relevant expertise. Options
include positions as project consultants with the Ministry of
Science and Technology. At present, proposals for employment
for program members as consultants with the Ministry of
Environment, and Ministry of Industry and Minerals are going
forward. Opportunities also extend to USG agencies present
in Iraq involved in developing and implementing a broad array
of technical assistance programs throughout Iraq. We thus
believe relocation of program members outside of Iraq should
be the exception not the rule, with the possibility of
reviewing this policy should a change in the security
situation warrant it.


CROCKER