Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09DOHA523
2009-08-23 13:12:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Doha
Cable title:  

U.S. EMBASSY DOHA COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR

Tags:  PREL QA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHDO #0523/01 2351312
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 231312Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY DOHA
TO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9340
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RHMFISS/SAF WASHINGTON DC
RUVAFMC/AFSAC WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB OH
C O N F I D E N T I A L DOHA 000523 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/24/2019
TAGS: PREL QA
SUBJECT: U.S. EMBASSY DOHA COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR
APPROVAL TO PROVIDE HAZARD PREDICTION AND ASSESSMENT
CAPABILITY (HPAC) SOFTWARE AND UNCLASSIFIED WEATHER
INTERFACE TO QATARI ARMED FORCES CHEMICAL UNIT.

Classified By: AMB Joseph LeBaron, reasons 1.4(A),(B),AND (D).

C O N F I D E N T I A L DOHA 000523

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/24/2019
TAGS: PREL QA
SUBJECT: U.S. EMBASSY DOHA COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR
APPROVAL TO PROVIDE HAZARD PREDICTION AND ASSESSMENT
CAPABILITY (HPAC) SOFTWARE AND UNCLASSIFIED WEATHER
INTERFACE TO QATARI ARMED FORCES CHEMICAL UNIT.

Classified By: AMB Joseph LeBaron, reasons 1.4(A),(B),AND (D).

1.(U) Summary: The Qatar Armed Forces Chemical Unit wants to
obtain the HPAC software which provides the means to
accurately predict the effects of hazardous material released
into the atmosphere and its impact on civilian and military
populations. The system uses integrated source terms,
high-resolution weather forecasts and atmospheric transport &
dispersion analyses to model hazard areas produced by
military or terrorist incidents and industrial accidents.
The Qatar Armed Forces Chemical Unit will also require access
to ESRI ArcView products (provides mapping data).

2.(U) The following country team assessment is provided in
support of the QAF Chemical Unit request.

3.(C) The reason Qatar desires the HPAC software is to
protect civilians from the effects of hazardous material
released into the atmosphere by military or terrorist
incidents and industrial accidents.

4.(C) The effect of the HPAC software on Qatar,s Force
Structure will be negligible. The Chemical Unit would
integrate the software into the hazard model already being
produced by mechanical means.

5.(C) The HPAC software will contribute to the U.S. and Qatar
Defense/Security goals. Authorizing the distribution of the
software will support several USG regional strategic
objectives..

-- Deter and defeat adversaries

-- Assure regional access

-- Strengthen regional stability

-- Build self-reliance of partner nation security forces

6.(C) Protect vital interests of the U.S. within the area of
responsibility.

Ultimately, sale of this software will help strengthen U.S.
efforts to promote regional stability by enhancing regional
defense to a key U.S. ally. The acquisition OF the HPAC
software will provide the Qatar Armed Forces Chemical Unit a
quick method of determining areas at risk from the release
hazardous material. Distribution of this software will
enhance a nascent U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
The strengthening of the program contributes to future
acquisitions of integratable U.S. systems that will enhance
regional security.

7.(C) Justification for the type and quantity of articles or

services requested: Qatar seeks to enhance their ability to
rapidly predict populations and areas at risk in the event of
a hazardous materials release.

8.(C) Anticipated reactions of neighboring nations: The
expectation is that neighboring countries will have no
particular reaction to the release of the HPAC software and
none are expected to raise objections. Many of Qatar's
neighbors are acquiring or have acquired similar systems.

9.(C) Assessment of Qatar's ability to account for,
safeguard, operate, maintain, and support the articles: QAF
has limited capability and principles to maintain
accountability of the HPAC software. QAF understands the
need and capability to safeguard the HPAC software. Although
basic legislation exists, Qatar's policies and systems for
export control are limited. The Ministry Of Economy and
Commerce is responsible for developing legislation for and
supervising the nation's trade system; however, measures
generally do not extend beyond economically focused
agreements, including standards established by the World
Trade Organization and Gulf Cooperation Council. The
software includes the capability to interface with weather
products via an account with the Defense Threat Reduction
Agency (DTRA). Qatar will need to set up an account for this
capability.

10.(C) Training required either in-country or in the United
States and the anticipated reactions resulting from the
presence of U.S. trainers in-country: QAF Chemical Unit will
require access to web based training from the DTRA website.
Educational courses and training exercises are routinely
conducted between QAF and U.S. military. Qatar maintains a

robust U.S. military and defense contractor presence; no
adverse reaction to U.S. trainers in Qatar is anticipated.

11.(C) Possible impact of any in-country U.S. presence that
might be required as a result of providing the article:
there will be no impact in-country. If QAF is not allowed to
obtain the use of HPAC software it will have a negative
impact on interoperability with U.S. and coalition/regional
forces, our security assistance portfolio, and future U.S.
defense product acquisition.

12.(C) Source of financing and the economic impact of the
proposed acquisition: The HPAC software is available at no
cost. Approval and expeditious handling of this request will
lead to future U.S. economic benefits.

13.(C) Human rights considerations relevant to the proposed
acquisition: There are no human rights considerations
relevant to the acquisition of the HPAC software.

14.(C) A plan for end-use monitoring for sensitive and
advanced warfighting technology and the SAO's plan for
compliance verification: QAF will require education on
end-use monitoring program, as applicable. QAF will comply
with end-use monitoring as outlined in chapter 8, DOD
5105-38-M, Security Assistance Management Manual, 3 October
2003, as necessary. OMC Qatar will fulfill its
responsibility and ensure compliance with end-use monitoring
requirements under the Golden Sentry program by conducting
periodic accountability inventories and monitoring
operational use and control during day-to-day
military-to-military contact, when required.

15.(C) Recommendation whether the USG should approve transfer
of the classified data and justification: Currently Qatar has
no ability to connect to a classified network which would
enable them access to the classified weather data. Amembassy
Doha Country Team recommends approval for the distribution of
the HPAC software and ESRI ArcView products to Qatar. This
assessment has been fully coordinated with Amembassy Doha
Country Team.

16.(C) Distribution of the HPAC software and ESRI ArcView
products is in the best interests of both nations
economically, militarily and politically.
Nantongo