ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPONS RELEASE TO IRAQ -

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 000039 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: IZ MARR MCAP MOPS PGOV PINS PNAT PTER SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPONS RELEASE TO IRAQ - NIGHT VISION DEVICES FOR CTB REF: MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN IRAQ CTB AND MNSTC-I FOR ENHANCED END USE MONITORING OF NIGHT VISION DEVICES - OCT 16 2008 ¶1. (U) This is an action request, see paragraph 10. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Country Team requests the immediate release of U.S. military specification night vision devices (NVDs) to the Government of Iraq (GOI). Specifically, this request is for AN/PVS-7D and AN/PVS-14 NVDs. These U.S military specification NVDs will be used by the Iraq National Counter-Terrorism Bureau (CTB) to train and equip Iraqi Special Operations Forces to fight terrorism in urban and rural environments at night in total darkness. This will advance nighttime operational effectiveness while reducing collateral damage risk. This request is for the sale of 2,250 AN/PVS-7D and 2,250 AN/PVS-14 NVDs valued at an estimated $21.5M US dollars. END SUMMARY. -------------- Description of Technology for Release -------------- ¶3. (SBU) NVDs provide high quality image clarity essential for safe night time counter-terrorism operations. They allow the wearer to select and clearly identify the enemy and reduce the possibility of collateral damage. -------------- Rationale for Technology Release -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Iraqi Special Operations Forces are in urgent need of viable night vision capabilities that will allow them to safely and effectively execute night counter-terrorism operations, particularly in conjunction with Coalition Special Operations Forces. Release of NVDs will greatly enhance their ability to conduct counter-terrorism missions, improve interoperability with Coalition forces, and improve their ability to maintain their own defense and security. Fielding modern capable NVDs will also contribute to eventual Coalition advisory transition of Iraqi forces to independent operations. -------------- Iraq Safeguarding Sensitive Technology -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Iraq has demonstrated the intent and ability to protect sensitive, classified military technology since working with U.S. and Coalition forces. An Article 505 agreement (signed by the GOI July 24, 2004) demonstrates Iraq's commitment to protect grant defense articles and technology similar to our standards. Additionally, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Enhanced End Use Monitoring (EEUM) of NVDs was signed by the Iraqi CTB on 16 October 2008, detailing requirements for the storage, security and inventory of NVDs. The MOA defines Iraqi responsibility for controlled access and 100% physical count inventory to safeguard NVDs purchased through Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Upon request, inventory and accountability records maintained by the Iraqis will made available to U.S. personnel conducting EEUM through the GOLDEN SENTRY program and Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq (MNSTC-I) Security Assistance Office (SAO) Standard Operating Procedures. We will also continue to mentor the Iraqi Forces on their accountability and control of NVDs in order to provide long-term cooperation with GOI. All the necessary documentation of U.S. to GOI transfer, receipt and inventory of NVDs will be obtained, reviewed and recorded for GOLDEN SENTRY EEUM purposes. QSENTRY EEUM purposes. -------------- Anticipated Reaction from Neighboring Nations -------------- ¶6. (SBU) We do not anticipate the release of NVDs to the Government of Iraq to adversely affect the regional balance of power or cause negative reactions from neighboring nations, as these system are already fielded in many countries of the region. -------------- Iraq's Political Importance to the Region -------------- ¶7. (SBU) A stable, democratically-elected Iraqi government, BAGHDAD 00000039 002 OF 002 capable of protecting its people and sovereignty, and remaining at peace with its neighbors is one of the USG's highest priorities. The release and employment of NVDs will facilitate progress toward this goal, advancing the Iraqi security forces' ability to identify, target and carry out night operations against anti-Iraqi forces while reducing the risk to self and others. -------------- Source of Financing and Economic Impact -------------- ¶8. (SBU) This purchase will be financed by Government of Iraq funds. The cost is estimated at $21.5M US dollars. There is no significant economic impact anticipated to be generated by this sale. -------------- Relevant Human Rights Considerations -------------- ¶9. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations that should preclude the release of the defense equipment to the Iraqi Armed Forces. -------------- Action Request -------------- ¶10. (SBU) We request immediate Washington approval for the release of U.S. military specification AN/PVS-7D and AN/PVS-14 Night Vision Devices to the Government of Iraq, for use by the Counter-Terrorism Bureau. CROCKER