POSSIBLE FTO DESIGNATION FOR ASA'IB AHL AL HAQ

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 000436


NOFORN

S/CT FOR J. BLAZAKIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/18/2019
TAGS: PTER ASEC PGOV PREL KCRM KJUS IZ
SUBJECT: POSSIBLE FTO DESIGNATION FOR ASA'IB AHL AL HAQ
(AAH) AND KATA'IB HIZBALLAH (KH)

REF: STATE 11293

Classified By: Political-Military Minister Counselor Michael Corbin for
reasons 1.4 (b),(d),(g).


1. (U) In response to reftel, post provides the following
response.


2. (S/NF) Regarding Kata,ib Hizballah (KH),post considers
this group an irreconcilable Iranian proxy and supports its
designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Post
believes the summary provided is accurate and believes
considerable detail is available in other channels to further
reinforce this designation. Embassy and Multi-National
Forces Iraq (MNF-I) support designation of KH at this time.


3. (S/NF) A designation of the Asa,ib Ahl Al Haq (AAH)
group at this time is not supported by Embassy or MNF-I
because the GOI is involved in reconciliation efforts with
various elements of the Sadrist Trend, including AAH.
Discussions with AAH are being led by PM Nouri Al Maliki,s
office. The GOI has informed the Embassy that it believes it
has commitments on the part of AAH leadership to transition
away from violence. Since October 2008, an AAH ceasefire
has been in place that GOI assesses has contributed to a
discernible downturn in violence directed at Iraqi people and
CF. The GOI has sought access to AAH founder Qays Khazali,
currently detained by US forces at Camp Cropper, as part of
the reconciliation discussions. Embassy and MNF-I believe an
FTO finding against AAH at this time would complicate the
GOI,s ongoing efforts at reconciliation with the group and
negatively impact USG equities in attempting to shape the
outcome of those discussions. Embassy requests Department
delay pursuing designation of AAH.


BUTENIS