DHAHRAN EAC MEETING - DECEMBER 28, 2008. REVIEW

S E C R E T RIYADH 001865

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/EX, NEA/ARP, S/CT, DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP, ITA, CA,
INR, AND DS/IP/SPC/MSG
DHAHRAN SENDS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/29/2018
TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC PGOV PREL PTER SA
SUBJECT: DHAHRAN EAC MEETING - DECEMBER 28, 2008. REVIEW
OF SECURITY POSTURE IN LIGHT OF ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN TENSIONS

Classified By: Acting Consul General Julie Stinehart for reasons
1.4 (d) and (g).


1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: On December 28, 2008, the Dhahran
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) met to discuss post security
posture in light of the rising tensions in the Middle East
attributable to the Israeli/Palestinian situation. The Saudi
Arabian National Guard (SANG) and Ministry of Interior (MOI)
have been asked to increase their presence at the consulate;
travel to areas with strong Palestinian support have been
discouraged; and the Marines will be restricted should a
tripwire be crossed. Present for the meeting were CG, PD,
DHS, CONS, RAO, RSO, MSG, and IMO. END SUMMARY.


2. (S/NF) The Consul General opened the meeting explaining
the EAC was convened to discuss rising tensions in the Middle
East. He provided a short review of the situation involving
the Israelis and Palestinians. The ARSO reviewed the current
security posture and discussed how the tensions in the Middle
East impact the consulate staff in the Eastern Province. The
EAC members provided no new threat information concerning
efforts to specifically target post, off-post housing, or
employees assigned to post.


3. (S/NF) The ARSO formally requested an additional
presence in front of the Consulate General from the SANG and
the MOI. This presence was requested to begin December 29,
2008, and terminate on January 3, 2009. This request was
made keeping in mind the planned New Year's Eve social event
at the consulate and the historical timing of demonstrations.
Historically, demonstrations that have occurred near the U.

S. Consulate General have occurred after Friday prayer.


4. (S/NF) The EAC discussed areas within the Eastern
Province that are predominately Shia. It was noted that
there were demonstrations in Qatif last week in support of
the Palestinians and photographs showed individuals carrying
Hezbolla flags. This demonstration occurred prior to the
commencement of the latest heightened unrest between Israel
and Palestine. The ARSO strongly cautioned against travel to
areas within the Eastern Province where there is a strong
Shia presence supporting the Palestinians. Additionally,
consulate employees should be extra alert and cautious during
their movements within the Eastern Province and attempt to be
less visible.


5. (S/NF) The ARSO discussed the news reporting that Israel
presently has massed troops and armor on its border with
Gaza. The ARSO advised the EAC that in consultation with the
MSG Detachment Commander, the ARSO decided the MSG Detachment
would be restricted to the consulate in the event Israel
crosses the border into Gaza with its troops. In addition,
the off-duty liberties of the MSG Detachment would be
restricted should this event occur.


6. (S/NF) Dhahran's EAC members unanimously agreed that the
security procedures in place presently, along with the
requested increase in support from the SANG and MOI, are
sufficient to allow the planned New Year's Eve social event.
No EAC member offered any additional guidance or suggestions
for changes to the security posture.


7. (SBU) The Consul General scheduled another EAC meeting
for December 30, 2008, to review the situation.


8. (SBU) POC for this cable is ARSO Charles Flynn.

(APPROVED: STINEHART)
RUNDELL