BAMYAN PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR SARABI ON HER

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 004002

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SRAP, SCA/FO, SCA/A, EUR/RPM, INR/B
STATE PASS USAID FOR ASIA/SCAA
USFOR-A FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/14/2019
TAGS: KDEM PGOV AF
SUBJECT: BAMYAN PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR SARABI ON HER
MINISTERIAL PROSPECTS

Classified By: Interagency Provincial Affairs Coordinator Scott Kilner
for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: Despite rumors about possible cabinet-level
positions, Bamyan Provincial Governor Habiba Sarabi confided
to Bamyan Provincial Reconstruction Team representatives
that, unless offered something higher profile than Minister
of Social Affairs, she intends to remain in her current
position. Directorate of Local Governance Director General
Ghulam Jelani Popal continues to encourage Sarabi to remain
as governor and &continue her good work.8 Although willing
to remain in Bamyan, Sarabi emphasized that she would only do
so if Second Vice President Karim Khalili, his relatives and
associates stopped harassing her. Her transition to a GIRoA
leadership position in Kabul, if it were to happen, could
affect the positive progress she is leading in Bamyan. End
Summary.

SARABI SEEKS CHANCE TO MAKE REAL CHANGES
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2. (C) Bamyan Governor Sarabi this week informed Provincial
Reconstruction Team (PRT) representatives about her prospects
in President Karzai,s new ministerial line-up. Scoffing at
rumors that she could be nominated for Second Vice President,
Sarabi confirmed that she is still slated to be Minister of
Social Affairs. However, she stated clearly that she will
not accept this position because it is marginalized and
under-resourced. Preferring a well-funded, high profile
ministry that would provide &a chance to make real changes8
on the national scene, she indicated interest in the
ministries of Higher Education, Health, and Information and
Culture.

. . . OR COULD REMAIN BAMYAN GOVERNOR, BUT CONDITIONALLY
-------------- --------------


3. (C) If not selected for ONE of these ministries, Sarabi
confided that she would likely remain Governor of Bamyan to
&continue what I started.8 She also mentioned Balkh and
Kabul governorships as alternative possibilities, but noted
that Independent Directorate of Local Governance Director
General Ghulam Jelani Popal advised her not to expect either
position. Three times, Sarabi said (somewhat proudly),Popal
told her most recently: &We want you to continue the good
works you started . . . you have brought stability to the
province.8


4. (C) Although willing to remain in Bamyan, Sarabi
emphasized that she would only do so if Second Vice President
Karim Khalili, his relatives and associates stopped harassing
her. According to Sarabi, they are responsible for staged
protests, night letters, and other forms of political
harassment over the past five years. If she continues as
Governor, she said, she would also demand the removal of
Deputy Governor Fahimi, a Kalili ally, who is in Sarabi's
view also ineffective and possibly corrupt.

PROVINCIAL BUDGETING PLANS NOT YET SUBMITTED
--------------


5. (C) Sarabi also told PRTOFFs that none of the ministries
have contacted her requesting provincial plans as part of the
central budgeting process. Although the deadline for
submission was mid-November, Sarabi appeared unconcerned and
asserted she would have the line directors focus on this
following the annual Provincial Reporting Conference December
6-8. She complained, however, that both Agriculture and
Education Ministries were &extremely weak8 in planning and
accountability, and staffs not well trained.


6. (C) Comment: Palace Chief of Staff Omer Daudzai told us
December 10 that, in order to save face when communicating
with undesired ministerial candidates, the palace is making
disingenuous offers to candidates that it knows will be
unacceptable to them. For example, Daudzai said the palace
was thinking of dividing the Culture and Youth Affairs
Ministry, and offering current Minister Abdul Karim Khoram
just the Culture Ministry. This would be considered a
downgrade for him since it would only be half of his current
ministry, so he would not likely accept it. Therefore, they
could say "Khoram refused8 instead of having to admit they
did not want Khoram.


7. (C) Comment, continued: Governor Sarabi, supported by a
fairly effective Chief of Police, is considered strong and
popular in Bamyan. Her transition to a GIRoA leadership
position in Kabul, if it were to happen, could affect the

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progress underway in the province, but that would depend on
caliber of her successor. Conditions in Bamyan are
considered favorable and largely sustainable. While Sarabi's
departure poses some downside risk at the provincial level,
her leadership talents could potentially be put to even
greater use at the national level. End comment.
RICCIARDONE