MAYSAN GOVERNOR PLAYS IT COOL WHILE SHEIKHS RUN HOT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 002518

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/11/2018
TAGS: PGOV IR IZ PTER MOPS PINS
SUBJECT: MAYSAN GOVERNOR PLAYS IT COOL WHILE SHEIKHS RUN HOT

Classified By: Acting Deputy Political Counselor John Fox for reasons 1
.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: Maysan Governor Adil al-Maliki said all the
right things in an August 9 meeting with PRT Team Leader (TL)
at the Governor's offices in downtown Amarah. The Governor
expressed satisfaction with security gains in the province as
a result of Operation Tidings of Peace and the presence of
coalition forces (CF),described the minimal role the
provincial government was playing in planning and executing
projects stemming from the GOI's $100 million funding
allocation to Maysan province, and discussed his desire to
cooperate with the GOI, Iraq Security Forces (ISF),CF, and
the PRT to improve the lot of the Maysani populace.
Coincidentally, in a meeting across town attended by 2-7
Battalion Commander, tribal leaders of the Maysan Awakening
Tribal Council were decrying Governor al-Maliki as a corrupt,
poor performer and the major reason for a lack of progress in
the province in recent years. End summary.


2. (C) In the first strictly civilian meeting between the PRT
and the Governor since operations began in June, Governor
al-Maliki, who prior to military operations had stated on
numerous occasions that Maysan was stable and secure,
described security as greatly improved as a result of
military operations. He stated that the citizenry and
provincial government were pleased that conflict between
Maysanis and the ISF and CF had been minimal. He offered his
opinion that the next crucial steps would be to attract
investment, create employment opportunities, and improve
essential service delivery.


3. (C) The Governor promised to send a letter of invitation
for the PRT to locate within Maysan, and espoused
coordination as the key to development in the province. He
stated a strong desire for provincial government agreement on
all projects, and hoped projects would be delivered
expeditiously. He repeated his stance that he will not seek
reelection, citing friction between the tribes and the
government, an apparent desire for change by Maysanis, and
his belief that not running in eventual provincial elections
would be "the peaceful way" despite his personal desire to
finish what he has started.

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$100 Million Managed From Baghdad
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4. (C) Al-Maliki said that the planning process for spending
the $100 million from the GOI was not coordinated well, with
Dr. Tariq Najem Abdullah from the PM's office (acting
director of the GOI committee overseeing the Maysan
reconstruction aid) working directly with Ministry Directors
General in the province without consulting with the
provincial government. According to the Governor, the focus
of Dr. Tariq's committee is on quick projects that can be
completed within 5-6 months and the proposed projects are
currently tendered for bid. The Governor expects the
projects will be announced soon and said he will approve the
projects despite the fact that they do not fit his strategy
for the province. He explained that only Dr. Tariq has
authority to disburse the funding.

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Tribal Leaders Want Governor Gone
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5. (C) On the same day across town, U.S. 2-7 Battalion
Commander and Iraqi Army 38th Brigade Commander attended a
meeting of the Maysan Awakening Tribal Council. Most of the
approximately 20 sheikhs on the council were there, as well
as a few religious leaders. The sheikhs focused solely on
the poor performance of the Governor. They expressed
unanimous dissatisfaction with his performance as governor,
blamed him for the lack of progress over the last few years,
and pointed a collective finger at him for the emerging
gasoline shortage in Amarah. They claimed that the Governor
is selling much of the gas on the black market around town
for much higher prices, which is causing extremely long lines
at the 28 gas stations around town. The sheikhs stated that
the governor is closely aligned with Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) and
is responsible for allowing the militia back into Amarah.
There was a pervading sense that violence would likely
escalate in town (hinted at by three attacks against the IA
within the past week with no casualties),with the potential
for a large-scale attack.

6. (C) Comment: Governor al-Maliki appeared to go to great
lengths to avoid any statements that might be perceived as
controversial in his meeting with TL and was careful not to
make any comments against the ISF or CF. He clearly believes
that cooperation with the U.S. is in his best current
interests. The tribal leaders, now feeling empowered by
recent meetings with the Prime Minister, want to see real

BAGHDAD 00002518 002 OF 002


change and they believe that the governor is standing in
their way. Their frustration is compounded by the fact that
there is no formal information flow among the governor, city
council, the ISF, and the sheikhs. While the sheikhs may
not be at the point where they will consider taking matters
into their own hands, they agreed that the Governor should
have been arrested at the start of this operation. The
growing friction between the tribes and the Governor has the
potential to lead to serious, potentially violent,
consequences. End Comment.
CROCKER