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