PM'S COMMISSIONS TO INVESTIGATE ATTACKS ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003425 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM KIRF IZ SUBJECT: PM'S COMMISSIONS TO INVESTIGATE ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS IN MOSUL MAY BLAME KURDS Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Greg D'Elia, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) ¶1. (C) In an October 27 meeting with poloffs, Gorges Bakoos, Political Advisor for Christian Affairs to Prime Minister Maliki, intimated that Kurdish politics lay behind the attacks on Christians in Mosul earlier this month. He provided no specific evidence, but cited the interest of "political entities" (in context, this was a clear reference to the KRG, although Bakoos was not more specific) in creating conditions that could lead to an autonomous Christian zone in northern Iraq as the primary motivating factor for the attacks. In response to a question about allegations of possible AQI or associated groups' responsibility, Bakoos noted that AQI has publicly denied involvement. Bakoos said he does not think that a letter purportedly from Ansar al-Islam, warning Iraqi Christians and "infidels" to depart Iraq or face the same consequences as Christians in Mosul, is credible. ¶2. (C) Bakoos stressed Maliki's intention to punish those responsible, whatever the political consequences. He said provincial authorities in Ninewa had failed to do their jobs, and said that was why these attacks could occur. There are three GOI committees currently investigating the attacks, one on behalf of the Iraqi Security Forces, one by Iraqi intelligence agencies, and one led by Defense Minister Abdul Qadir on behalf of the cabinet. Bakoos said he would welcome any information the USG could provide. He also said UNAMI's involvement would be welcome. ¶3. (C) Comment: Embassy Baghdad will continue to track available evidence and the various allegations while working to ensure sustained GoI action to ameliorate the situation of Christian IDPs and facilitate their return. We will attempt to find out more about the work of the three GOI investigative committees and the timeline of their investigations. There are many politically motivated allegations swirling publicly, backed by (so far) little hard evidence but plenty of political animus. The conversation with Bakoos suggests that some in the GoI already have a preferred conclusion and are now looking for the right, convenient "facts" in support. Bakoos, although he requested the meeting, repeatedly framed the encounter as an opportunity for the USG to share with the Prime Minister's Office our own investigative leads. End comment. CROCKER