MAYSAN IA OFFICERS: OPS GOING WELL, BUT GOVERNOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002355

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2018
TAGS: PGOV MOPS IR IZ
SUBJECT: MAYSAN IA OFFICERS: OPS GOING WELL, BUT GOVERNOR
MUST GO

Classified By: Acting Deputy Political Counselor Michael Ma for reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) operations in
Maysan went "better than planned," said 10th Iraqi Army (IA)
Division Deputy Commander Brigadier General Jabar Nehma and
38th Brigade Deputy Commander Colonel Mustafa Khydair in a
July 24 meeting with MND-C DCG-S COL Smith and poloffs. The
officers praised U.S. assistance in the operation, especially
air support, and expressed hope that the resistance "was in
its last days." They said Maysan Governor Adil al-Maliki was
"two-faced" and ultimately needed to be replaced due to his
militia ties. However, they clarified that arresting the
governor was a "decision of the state" and explained that
Provincial Council (PC) Chair Abdel Jabbar had been released
due to "a political decision." Both officers emphasized the
necessity of providing services and jobs and said that until
now they had seen no results from the 100 million USD
development fund administered by the GOI. End Summary.

Operation Goes Better than Planned
--------------


2. (C) Asked about the ongoing "Tidings of Peace" operation,
Jabar said "We expected some resistance, it went better than
planned." He explained that Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) members
realized they could not withstand a combined Iraqi-American
assault, and repeatedly emphasized the importance of U.S. AIR
support on Iraqi troop morale. Jabar said that the militia
leaders fled elsewhere in Iraq or to Iran, while the
rank-and-file discarded their weapons and "returned to their
homes." Jabar also credited the planning of the IA, saying
that they had assembled intelligence profiles on "everyone,
especially the leadership," prior to the offensive. Jabar
responded enthusiastically to COL Smith's offer of increased
intelligence assistance from the U.S. with an Iraqi proverb:
"We will cook our ingredients in a single pot and have a
great meal." He confirmed that militias received Iranian
support, but added "god willing the resistance is in its last
days." Jabar added that most Maysanis were very happy with
the U.S. and IA presence. "Originally, people didn't want to
cooperate, but now we are getting many tips through our
hotline number."

"Two-Faced" Governor Must be Replaced
--------------


3. (C) Jabar initially characterized the IA's relationship
with Governor Maliki as "good" but later criticized him as a
"man of two faces...he will say that he is backing away from
JAM, but really he is under their influence." Jabar asserted
that, according to intelligence reports, the governor
obtained power through militia ties and should be arrested,
but "that is a decision of the state." He warned U.S.
officials that the governor "sees you as an occupier...you
must be careful." Ultimately, he concluded, "the governor
should be replaced, and yesterday would be better than
today." Jabar said that Maysan Provincial Council (PC) Chair
Abdel Jabbar had been arrested on July 2 due to his militia
ties but subsequently released by a "political decision."
Kamal said that the Iraqi Supreme Court judges left on July 3
and that the IA was now working with the chief judge of
Amarah to secure warrants. Jabar clarified that Governor
Maliki maintains control of the Iraqi Police (IP) while the
IA report directly to the Ministry of Defense. He was
complimentary of newly-appointed IP Chief BG Saad Ali Ati and
said the IA and IP had a close working relationship.

Need Services and Jobs
--------------


4. (C) Both officers emphasized the poor economic state of
Maysan and the necessity of providing services and jobs.
"Compare what you see in Maysan to the situation in Wasit,
and tell the governor what you saw," urged Jabar. They said
that they had seen no impact from the 100 million USD in
development assistance pledged to Maysan, but added that it
was still too soon to expect any results and that the effort
was being led by Tariq Abdullah, not the Iraqi Army.

Comment:
--------------


5. (C) ISF and Coalition operations within the province have
proceeded smoothly, although concerns remain over the threat
posed by Special Group militants returning from Iran. Despite
the officers' assessment of Governor Maliki, the fact that
Maliki has not been detained and that the PC Chair was
released likely indicate that the GOI has reached some sort
of political accommodation with the provincial government.
End Comment.
CROCKER