SHEIKH CLAIMS IRAQI TRIBES ASKING SAUDIS FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003569

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/12/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL SA IZ
SUBJECT: SHEIKH CLAIMS IRAQI TRIBES ASKING SAUDIS FOR
SUPPORT

REF: A. BAGHDAD 2857

B. BAGHDAD

C. 2595

Classified By: Senior Advisor Gordon Gray for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) In a November 10 meeting, Muthanna tribal sheikh
Hakim Khazal Khashan repeated his claims to Senior Advisor
Gordon Gray that he is working with Anbar sheikh Abu Risha to
develop a common platform for tribal parties running in the
provincial elections. (See reftels for background.) Hakim
repeated his pitch for direct U.S. support to his fledgling
party and admonished Americans for allowing religious parties
to gain strength relative to nationalist, liberal, and tribal
entities that would be
more supportive of our policies.


2. (C) While lamenting the lack of U.S. support, Hakim
claimed that both he and Abu Risha had separately been in
contact with Saudi intelligence chief Prince Muqrin. While
Hakim said he is not receiving support from the Saudis, he
surmised that Abu Risha probably does receive funds. Hakim,
who
seemed less than enthusiastic about his party's chances in
the provincial elections, said that a tribal gathering will
be organized in Ramadi in December (on a date not yet set) to
further organize nationwide cross-sectarian tribal efforts in
the provincial elections.
CROCKER