Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08HILLAH55
2008-05-12 15:18:00
SECRET
REO Hillah
Cable title:  

BG CARDON AND TL ENGAGE NAJAF GOVERNOR ON SECURITY

Tags:  IZ PGOV ASEC 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO1982
OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK
DE RUEHIHL #0055/01 1331518
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
O 121518Z MAY 08 ZFF4
FM REO HILLAH
TO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD IMMEDIATE 0932
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1083
INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE
RUEHIHL/REO HILLAH 1149
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 HILLAH 000055 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 5/12/2018
TAGS: IZ PGOV ASEC
SUBJECT: BG CARDON AND TL ENGAGE NAJAF GOVERNOR ON SECURITY

HILLAH 00000055 001.2 OF 002


CLASSIFIED BY: Angus T. Simmons, Provincial Team Leader, PRT
Najaf, DOS.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)



CLASSIFIED BY: Angus T. Simmons, Provincial Team Leader, PRT
Najaf, DOS.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 HILLAH 000055

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 5/12/2018
TAGS: IZ PGOV ASEC
SUBJECT: BG CARDON AND TL ENGAGE NAJAF GOVERNOR ON SECURITY

HILLAH 00000055 001.2 OF 002


CLASSIFIED BY: Angus T. Simmons, Provincial Team Leader, PRT
Najaf, DOS.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)



CLASSIFIED BY: Angus T. Simmons, Provincial Team Leader, PRT
Najaf, DOS.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)


1. (U) This is a PRT Najaf Cable.


2. (S) Summary: On the margins of meeting with Najaf
authorities on May 10 to discuss the airport (see septel),BG
Cardon and TL met with Governor Asad to discuss the security
situation in Najaf. The Governor noted that he had not yet
heard back about a possible Sadrist meeting with Team Leader.
Governor Asad said he would welcome a visit by Ambassador
Crocker to FOB Endeavor for the opening of the PRT. End summary.


3. (S) BG Cardon opened by noting that there had been reports
of JAM special group leaders coming to Najaf from Basrah and
Sadr City along with weapons, and that while there had always
been some reporting of this kind, the number of reports had
dramatically increased. In addition, the IA 8th Division
Commander MG Uthman was concerned by recent reports. BG Cardon
asked the Governor for his security assessment. The Governor
replied that he had no precise information, but that he had
discussed the situation with MG Uthman and the ODA commander.
The Governor covered the disposition of the Iraqi Army in Najaf,
pointing out that more forces are outside the city to protect
the approaches. He mentioned that he had just replaced the
police chief in Munathera after an IED incident and had asked
the new chief to provide a report on the incident. Governor
Asad promised that he would pass the report on if any specific
information were developed. He also responded that if the
authorities have a warrant, they will go and pick up the
individuals, but otherwise they can't act. With respect to
Moqtada al-Sadr's assassinated brother-in-law Sayid al-Nuri, the
Governor said that he had received the day before over the
internet a letter saying that al-Nuri had asked Moqtada to
dissolve the Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) and implied that this had
played a role in his death. The Governor said, "frankly,
through other leaders we are trying to talk the Sadrists into
dissolving the JAM" and that Grand Ayatollah Sistani also
supports dissolving Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM). He added that the GOI

had sent people to Iran to exert pressure and that religious
scholars were supporting this process. Asad also stated that no
one will be allowed to take part in the election if they are a
member of JAM. According to Governor Asad, the GOI is not
interacting with JAM, although there was no prohibition against,
and the Government of Najaf is interacting politically with OMS.
According to Asad, the GOI's stock had risen since Basrah and
the Sadrists were less popular than before, though action in
Sadr City was still controversial. Asad mentioned that MAS had
problems with his inner circle.


4. (C) The Governor opined that it was important to start
planting the seeds of democracy. He also said that
reconstruction and investment were important. He again
repeated his view that he would like to see ninety percent of
reconstruction projects targeted on rural areas so that the
tribes would feel they belong to the province. According to
Asad, the provincial government has a good bond with the tribes,
but they are interested in "achievements."


5. (S) The Governor said he would be meeting with all leaders
of Najaf, including the southern regions of Saria, Madha, and
Haidaria, to discuss security issues and ask for security
cooperation. He noted that he had some reservations that the
Chief of Police (COP) had not been firm enough in handling the
situation in Najaf proper, but said that he would have to have a
replacement COP ready before any action could be taken. But, he
could and would put pressure on the present chief of police. BG
Cardon responded that the Governor had been skillful in handling
the situation. The General then made the following three
points: (1) He noted that there was a chance that the special
group leaders would come to Najaf but behave as normal citizens
which would make it hard to work local warrants against them.
(2) We are all excited about the moving of the PRT to Camp
Endeavor in Najaf, which had been a decision that required
considerable coordination within the USG, and that it was
important that the security situation remain good. (3) We have
seen that the Governor has been very consistent on security, and
that there are differences of opinion on how hard to push at
this time. BG Cardon noted that, with respect to Najaf, that
would be his particular contribution -- to maintain regular
consultation on security.


6. (S) TL noted to the Governor that he had previously said
he would always be ready to meet with the Sadrists (but not/not
members of JAM) if that would be helpful. The Governor

HILLAH 00000055 002.2 OF 002


responded that he had already sent a message through MP Dr. Liqa
and wife of OMS Political Director and former Minister of
Tourism that TL would be willing to meet. Governor Asad noted
that he had not yet heard anything back, and opined that the
current situation might delay a response.


7. (S) TL remarked that the Najaf PRT would soon be beginning
locally based operations from FOB Endeavor in Najaf. Adding
that Ambassador Crocker had been a strong supporter of moving
the PRT from Hillah to Najaf, TL suggested that AMB Crocker
might come to FOB Endeavor for a simple, low-key ceremony, at
which a few Najaf leaders could attend. The Governor responded
quickly that if AMB Crocker came to Najaf for an opening cermony
at FOB Endeavor, he would certainly want to invite AMB Crocker
to the Governor's compound, show him around, and have a program
for him. Note: Ambassador Ries addressed the opening of the
PRT-supported Tourism Conference last week, and Embassy and PRT
presence at Najaf Airport on May 10 was also covered by the
press. End note.
SIMMONS