DHI QAR: OFFICE OF THE MARTYR SADR TELLS PRT TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 000351 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/06/2018 TAGS: EAGR PINR PTER IZ SUBJECT: DHI QAR: OFFICE OF THE MARTYR SADR TELLS PRT TO MOVE OFF BASE Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Greg D'Elia for reasons 1.4 ( b) and (d) ¶1. This is a PRT Dhi Qar reporting cable. ¶2. (SBU) Summary: January 30, Dhi Qar PRT met with Sheikh Haider Ali Ghizi, the head of the Office of the Martyr Sadr (OMS) in Nassiriyah. Ghizi mirrored PRT views that training should be a "top priority" for the province. Ghizi called for the PRT relocate off of the Tallil Base to Nassiriyah and promised OMS "protection." He made a distinction between the PRT and the coalition "occupiers" and provided assurances that the PRT would not be molested. End Summary. ¶3. (SBU) January 30, the Bilingual/Bicultural Advisor (BBA) and the head of the Aegis security unit for the Dhi Qar PRT met with Sheikh Haider Ali Ghizi, the head of the OMS in Nassiriyah/Dhi Qar at a restaurant in Nassiriyah. PRT requested the meeting in order to determine OMS perception of PRT activities. OMS serves as the political front for the Jaysh al Mahdi (JAM) group headed by Muqtadar al Sadr. ¶4. (SBU) Ghizi began by stating that the recent attack on an Army Corps of Engineers (GRS) survey team, which resulted in the death of an Aegis guard, was a "mistake." (Note: Ghizi did not confirm that the attack was carried out by JAM, but this was assumed in his statement. End Note) Ghizi emphasized the OMS is a cultural and political organization, not involved in "military activity," and declared that there should be no attacks on civilians such as the survey team in Dhi Qar, Ghizi. ¶5. (SBU) Ghizi expressed concern over the level of government provided services in Nassiriyah, and the OMS desire to help. PRT member briefed Ghizi about on-going projects with the goal of developing the province's economic capacity in order to achieve self-sufficiency. PRT member highlighted agricultural sector projects and date production, as a historical component of the local economy. Ghizi expressed reservations, claiming that such projects were not a "high priority," since Iraq could fund its own economic development with oil funds. Ghizi suggested that what Iraqis lack is the understanding of how to manage its oil resources efficiently; which is why education should be its first priority. Ghizi complained that Iraq's leaders were too concerned with the government sector in order to placate "people in the government". Ghizi characterized government employees as "unprofessional" lacking the requisite skills to manage state enterprises. Ghizi advocated merit based hiring and recruiting with greater focus on recent qualified college graduates. ¶6. (SBU) Ghizi appeared genuinely interested in further contact with the PRT. He invited the BBA to his home, assuring that as his guest, Ghizi would be held accountable "if anything happened to someone on the PRT." Furthermore, it was suggested that the PRT move from the Tallil base and into Nassiriyah, because as long as the PRT is located on the base, it would be confused with the "occupiers." He claimed that the OMS would ensure that a PRT in Nassiriyah would be protected. While Ghizi declared the occupation unacceptable and justified resistance, he made no mention of violence. Ghizi concluded with an open invitation to Nassiriyah with no fear for security. Ghizi even offered an OMS car at the BBA's disposal. ¶7. (SBU) Biographic Note: Ghizi is in his mid-thirties. He sports a full beard, which is already graying. He cannot walk without the aid of crutches. He said that he was very interested in what the PRT could do to assist the handicapped of Nassiriyah, since he was handicapped himself. Ghizi stated that he was not handicapped from birth but did not divulge how he became disabled. ¶8. (SBU) Comment: Ghizi made it clear that if the PRT and Aegis were seen as part of the "occupation" they would be considered as valid targets by the militia, including PRT and Aegis members traveling with US military call signs. OMS however, is satisfied with PRT activities in the province and expressed some interest in further discussions. The Director of OMS stressed that he did not want to see "reconstruction projects" implemented as they had been in the past. As an example, Ghizi cited coalition built schools and public health centers, which he claims have only served in making a few individuals wealthy. The OMS believes that PRT can best contribute by facilitating intellectual capacity not infrastructure, "the minds of the Iraqi people -- these are what need to be built, not more buildings." Ghizi concluded with a promise to speak to his people so as to ensure that "everyone knows that the PRT and Aegis are good people who are to have all the freedom they want". BUTENIS