MUSA QALA POLITICAL UPDATE: MULLAH SALAM'S LEADERSHIP

UNCLAS KABUL 001280 DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/FO, SCA/A, S/CRS, EUR/RPM NSC FOR WOOD OSD FOR SHIVERS CENTCOM FOR CG CSTC-A, CG CJTF-101 POLAD SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MCAP MOPS PREL PGOV PTER PHUM AF SUBJECT: MUSA QALA POLITICAL UPDATE: MULLAH SALAM'S LEADERSHIP WAVERING ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY. Efforts to improve governance capacity in the northern Helmand town of Musa Qala face mounting challenges. District administrator Mullah Salam increasingly clashes with the local Afghan security leadership, and area residents have publicly expressed frustration at his leadership style. The District Shura is demanding salaries for their service and most have returned to Lashkar Gah. The Afghan National Police (ANP) and the Afghan National Army (ANA) are maintaining order within the town, but the May 17 attack on the governor's helicopter (septel) and a suicide attack on a police checkpoint openly increased tensions between security forces and Salam. Increased involvement from the Independent Directorate for Local Governance (IDLG) is needed soon to improve the situation in Musa Qala. The district remains important as a symbol to Helmand's Pashtuns of the Karzai government's willingness and ability to earn their trust and their support in the struggle against a resurgent Taliban. Musa Qala Politics -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Mullah Salam continues to dominate security, governance and development activities in Musa Qala; however, he is clerly politically weaker than just a few months ago. His long absence in Kabul distanced him from city residents, and his refusal to control his private militia, which includes his son, has angered many people. On May 20, 50 people from Shah Kariz, Salam's home village, gathered outside Musa Qala and demonstrated against his militia, accusing them of illegal tax collection and unlawful land seizures. When elders presented a letter stating their grievances, Salam refused to see them and instead sent his son. This only angered the group and eventually ANA Colonel Riahimi stepped forward, listened to the group and defused the situation. Salam was incensed that Riahimi interfered in his affairs, and threatened to call the Defense Minister to have him removed. ¶3. (SBU) Salam's rift with the security forces was already aggravated after the attack on Governor Mangal's helicopter on May 17, and a suicide bombing at an ANP checkpoint the following day. Salam held the district ANP Chief, Commander Koka, and the local state security officials accountable for the attacks, saying they could have done more to prevent them. Salam is convinced the suicide attack was meant for him and insists he needs more men and equipment for his protection. His growing interference in security isses angers Koka and complicates UK efforts to mentor the Afghan police and army. IDLG Required -------------- ¶4. (SBU) A mounting problem is the absence of most of the Musa Qala Shura. They are upset they are not being paid and want the IDLG to send a representative to discuss appropriate compensation for their services. Haji Zahir, the Shura's deputy, remains in the city and continues to work well with the UK-led PRT's security and stabilization officers. However, without the assistance of the other Shura members, he is unable to coordinate development activities and manage Salam's interaction with the public. PRT officers in Musa Qala believe IDLG should decide on the future role and responsibilities of the Shura and offer sufficient compensation to bring them back to the city. The Shura would then be available to support governance and development and to encourage Salam to improve his relationship with the public. ¶5. (SBU) Salm has become more difficult to work with, and hs once good relationship with the public is filing. The absence of the Shura and lack of involvement by IDLG have removed important checks on Salam's actions. He increasingly relies on his own men, regardless of the consequences. It appears that Governor Mangal or the IDLG will need to engage Salam and encourage him to focus on district management and public relations. WOOD