IRAN WINNING THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF MUMBAI'S MUSLIM

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 MUMBAI 000272 SIPDIS LONDON FOR GAYLE; BERLIN FOR PAETZOLD; BAKU FOR MCCRENSKY; BAGHDAD FOR BUZBEE AND FLINCHBAUGH; DUBAI FOR IRPO E.O. 12958: DECL: 6/24/2019 TAGS: PGOV KDEM PREL IN IR SUBJECT: IRAN WINNING THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF MUMBAI'S MUSLIM COMMUNITY? MUMBAI 00000272 001.2 OF 005 CLASSIFIED BY: Gaurav Bansal, Acting POL/ECON Chief. REASON: 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (GoIRI) is making a concerted effort to increase its outreach towards Mumbai's Sunni Muslim intellectual community. On June 12 and June 24, ConGenOff met with a group of Mumbai's Muslim intellectuals (strictly protect),mostly Sunni, who returned from a GoIRI sponsored trip to Iran. Delegates included an image consultant for Mumbai's Sunni leadership, a local leader of Mumbai's Muslim community, a journalist, the editor of an Urdu periodical and children's magazine, the Shi'a President of the Indo-Arab society, and other prominent members of Mumbai's Muslim community. The delegates traveled to Iran on June 2 where they participated in events commemorating the 20th anniversary of Imam Khomeini's death, and also met President Ahmedinejad. The travelers were part of a group of at least 350 (mostly Sunni) delegates from all over the world. The delegates disclosed to ConGenOff their preliminary apprehensions about Iranians, and even Shi'as, and their skepticism about bridging the Sunni-Shi'a divide. Although they were not impressed with President Ahmedinejad as a leader for the Muslim world, all the delegates admitted that they were won over by Iranian hospitality, and would likely travel to Iran again, some to do business with Iranians (NOTE: SEPTEL will discuss dynamics in Indian-Iran business relations. END NOTE) The delegates, upon returning from Iran, were persuaded that GoIRI outreach to India's Muslim community is taking shape, and expects the Iranian Culture House in Mumbai (the cultural arm of the Iranian consulate) to be an active participant in more Sunni-Shia bridge building activities. END SUMMARY. BACKGROUND: MUMBAI'S SUNNI INTELLECTUAL COMMUNITY -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) On June 12, ConGenOff met with Rais Shaikh (please protect),an image consultant for Mumbai's Sunni leadership. He described himself as a conservative, but part of Mumbai's new generation of Sunni intellectuals. In addition to being the CEO of a paper product company, Shaikh is image consultant to Abu Aim Azmi, the Mumbai Samajwadi Party president. (Note: The Samajwadi Party is a North India-based political party with a mass following among Muslims and lower caste Hindus. Abu Aim Azmi is Member of Parliament. End Note.) Shaikh said that he and his peers meet regularly in a building known as "Urdu Merkez", a cultural center for Sunni Muslim activities in central Mumbai, located opposite an old "Irani" (Shi'a) Mosque. Despite the proximity to the Shi'a mosque, Shaikh described his relationship with Shi'a Indians as very tense. Generally, he kept his distance from them and avoided as much contact as possible. He attributed this animosity to the long-established schism in beliefs and cultures between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. ¶3. (C) On June 24, ConGenoff met with Shaikh and five additional members of the same delegation (please protect) in a meeting organized by Dr. M.A. Patanker. Patanker, a Sunni medical doctor, is considered the local authority for Mumbai's Muslim community. He interacts with the wider-Mumbai diplomatic community and Indian politicians on issues of concern for his community. Both Patanker and Sami Bubere, a Sunni journalist and President of NGO "World Peace Council" had traveled to Iran before. This was Patanker's second trip to Iran; Buebere had traveled frequently to Iran for the past 30 years. Other delegates and first time travelers to Iran included, Farooque Sayyed, Sunni editor of Muslim children's magazine "Gul Bootay" and a socio-political weekly publication "Urdu Mela"; Zainuddin Bandukwala, a Shia businessman and President of the Indo-Arab Society; and Farid Ahmaed Khan, a Sunni director of a real estate company. ¶4. (U) NOTE: According the 2001 government of India Census, MUMBAI 00000272 002.2 OF 005 Muslims constitute 13.4 of the total Indian population, with slightly less than 15% being Shi'a, and the rest Sunni. Tensions between Shi'a and other religious groups exist. Among Mumbai's population, two groups claim descent from Persia: the Iranis and the Parsis. "Iranis" (not to be confused with the term "Iranians") are an ethno-religious community of India, descendants of Persians who emigrated from Greater Iran in the 19th and 20th centuries. They are culturally, linguistically and socially distinct from Indian Parsis, who are Zorastrians that arrived in India over 1000 years ago. Most Iranis are Shi'a, although there are a number of Parsis with the last name "Irani". Iranis, usually known in Mumbai for their famous restaurants and cafes, constitute a very tiny percentage of the Mumbai population and are decreasing in number for unknown reasons. Parsis, though also small in number, are considered one of India's most prominent communities. Some of India's wealthiest businessmen including Ratan Tata and Adi Godrej are Parsis. ConGenOff is unaware of the exact number of Iranians living in Mumbai, but anecdotal information indicates that there is a concentrated population of Iranians in Pune (three hours south of Mumbai) including thousands of University students. END NOTE. AN INVITATION INTO THE UNKNOWN -------------- ¶5. (C) Shaikh told ConGenOff that due to his close proximity with Abu Aim Azmi, he was invited to Iran by the Iranian consulate as part of delegation to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Imam Khomeini's death The other members of the delegation attributed their invitation to their elevated positions in Mumbai's Muslim community and influence in their professional circles. The delegates estimated that 100 delegates traveled from India, including those from New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Lucknow, but did not reveal their names. The delegates were invited for five days. Dr. Patanker and others stayed longer in Iran to tour the country, but Shaikh's trip lasted only two days due to his "fear" of traveling to Iran. He said he really did not know what to expect, so made business plans as an excuse for his early return. While most delegates had extensive international travel, delegates pointed out to ConGenOff that while they had previously traveled in the region, they never had an interest in going to Iran and had expected it to be a "backward" country. The delegates also expressed their initial fear that if they traveled to Iran then they would not be able to get a US visa. Dr. Patanker and other seasoned travelers convinced these delegates that this would not be a problem based on their own experiences. THE RED CARPET TREATMENT - IRANIAN STYLE -------------- ¶6. (C) The delegates expressed to ConGenoff some apprehension about their trip upon departing for Tehran. These apprehensions were fueled by the fact that they were not given information about their itinerary, or whom they would meet. When they arrived in Iran, they were surprised to find that their delegation was actually part of a 350-person large delegation, comprised mostly of Sunnis, drawn from all over the world. He acknowledged Emirates, Albanians, Greeks, and even Afghani Members of Parliament in attendance. The GoIRI paid for half of their airfare on Iran Air, and all delegates were lodged at two five star hotels, also at the GoIRI expense. All food and transportation were complimentary. They were also surprised that the Indian Embassy in Tehran had provided two Indian translators, whom they discovered were enjoying their posting to Tehran. The delegates were given full VIP treatment from the MUMBAI 00000272 003.2 OF 005 moment they boarded their Iran Air flight, and did not have to proceed through the normal security checks upon arrival in Iran. Shaikh said he was skeptical when the delegates were asked to handover their passports, although they were told that they would receive a "Special Foreign Guest" identity card. They eventually did receive the VIP card, and were told it would allow them to wander the hotel and city freely. However, the open invitation included constant monitoring by security guards, who followed the delegation everywhere they traveled. The delegates all agreed that security was very tight, but that ease and comfort was established by having Indian translators (COMMENT: It appears that all the accommodations provided to the delegates were carefully thought out and orchestrated by the GoIRI in order to ensure that their foreign guests were at ease in somewhat familiar settings. Comment.) Shaikh, the most skeptical traveler of the group, said that as a result of the "red carpet treatment", he began to "drop his guard" as the program progressed. MEETING PRESIDENT AHMEDINEJAD -------------- ¶7. (C) The next day (June 3),Shaikh explained that his translators and the delegation staff appeared nervous as they boarded the Volvo Buses to the Parliamentary Building. At Parliament, he realized why they were nervous: President Ahmedinejad had arrived to address the delegation. All the delegates agreed that as President Obama was to address the Muslim world from Cairo the following day, Ahmedinejad was very cautious in his speech, arguing that "the world's Muslims had accepted him (Ahmedinejad) as their leader." Ahmedinejad was also reported saying to delegates that "Iran stands for the Muslim World and that the revolution (referring to the 1979 revolution) was a revolution for the Muslim world. Ayatollah Khomeini had said that Muslims must stay away from the West, and was right, as the West is experiencing a financial crisis, showing signs of collapse." Ahmedinejad allegedly spoke on all concepts of Muslim life and also spoke on Palestine and said that Pakistan was a target of the West. Ahmedinejad invited Muslims to unite against the Western World," against their lifestyle and financial crisis". (NOTE: According to an Iranian News Agency (IRNA) Ahmadinjad told the audience that "liberalism runs counter to justice and by the same token it cannot resolve global issues." IRNA also reported that Ahmedinejad said that the "Presence of intellectuals, scientists and Ulema in ceremonies to mark the 20th anniversary of the demise of Imam Khomeini will be regarded as a suitable opportunity to make decision on global developments by Muslims~" END NOTE) ¶8. (C) Following Ahmedinejad's address, all the delegates were invited to meet Ahmedinejad and hand their business card to him because "President Ahmedinejad wants to keep in touch with his new friends". While other delegates engaged with the President, Shaikh said he didn't engage, but did give his business card to one of his aides. Shaikh said that he thought Ahmedinejad was "fundamentalist" and that Ahmedinejad's words and actions did not reflect those of Ayatollah Khomeini. The other delegates however did not criticize Ahmedinejad to the same extent, but told ConGenoff that "Ahmedinejad is a good leader for Iran, but not for the Muslim world. Ahmedinejad is only a leader for the Muslim world in stature." When asked if Ahmedinejad is successful in uniting the Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, Patanker said that Sunni and Shi'as cannot unite as long as Ahmedinejad and his followers believe that only Shi'a Muslims can solve the "problem", indicating Israel and Palestine. Patanker continued to explain that on these issues, only the USG - specifically Obama - can mediate a solution. (COMMENT: Patanker's commentary made it clear that sending advice to Washington regarding US action in the Middle East and with Iran was his agenda for the meeting. END COMMENT) MUMBAI 00000272 004.2 OF 005 AN EYE OPENING EXPERIENCE - SEEING "TWO IRANS" -------------- - ¶9. (C) The delegates commented on the opportunities they had to see the "other Iran" throughout their visit. During their first night in Tehran they witnessed people of all ages campaigning in the street near their hotel. While they witnessed mostly campaigns for Ahmedinejad, they couldn't help but notice young people everywhere wearing green ribbons around their wrists in support for Mousavi. ¶10. (C) Patanker and other delegates were also surprised at how many women they saw who appeared to be in charge of the political campaigning events. Shaikh told ConGenOff that he was surprised by the extent that men and women were intermingling. He suspected that a large reason why young people had taken to the streets was because of the opportunity campaigning presented for both young men and women to interact. (COMMENT: Shiakh was not being critical in the observation, but instead sounded impressed. END COMMENT) ¶11. (C) On the second night the delegates were taken to the symphony, where Western music was allowed and men and women appeared equal. They were amazed by the appreciation for Western culture, and the progressive nature of Iranians. All the delegates said that they expected the culture in Iran, especially the women, to reflect that of Saudi Arabia, such as all women wearing chadors and not working alongside men. (COMMENT: In the delegate's descriptions of their experience, they saw the "two Irans" described by Iran watchers and visitors to Iran, but weren't aware that these "two Irans" existed before most had traveled. The opportunity that these intellectuals had to see the "two Irans" contributed to their new perception of a modern and progressive Iran. END COMMENT.) OBAMA AND KHAMANEI SPEAK TO THE MUSLIM WORLD -------------- ¶12. (C) On June 4th, the delegation visited the public fair grounds (where they were given new identification cards with a hologram) to attend the commemoration of Khomeini's death. (NOTE: It is unclear whether or not this event is the same commemoration event that was held the same day at Imam Khomeini's tomb. END NOTE.) The delegates said that they were seated in a VIP area, and were part of a large audience which had gathered to hear Ayatollah Khamenei's speech. Shaikh said that Khamenei's speech "zeroed the Obama effect", referring to the way that Khamenei diminished the hype resulting from Obama's speech to the Muslim world, made the same day. ¶13. (C) Most of the delegates remained in Iran after the commemorative events. On June 5, a special private jet was chartered by the Government and all guests were taken to visit the Holly Shrine of Rehda. Delegates also toured Iran on their own, visiting Isfahan, Shiraz, and other tourist sites. Shaikh said that he left Iran only after the two full days of events, now regretting his decision to leave. He admitted that he had been apprehensive about traveling to Iran, not knowing what to expect, and had made his plans to leave before starting his trip. He said that if he were to do it over again, he would have MUMBAI 00000272 005.2 OF 005 stayed in Iran longer. COMMENT -------------- ¶14. (C) ConGen Mumbai is aware of the Iranian Consulate's Culture House past efforts to introduce "Mumbaikers" to Iranian film, art, literature, and music, as well as being very active in the Parsi and Irani communities, using ancient Persian ties to bring Indians and Iranians together. While anecdotal information indicates that the Iranian Consulate has a relatively good relationship with the Shi'a Muslim elders in Mumbai, Tehran, perhaps in an effort to bridge Sunni-Shi'a divide and assume a role of leadership in the Muslim world, appears to be reaching out to Mumbai's new generation Sunni Muslim intellectuals. ¶15. (C) The delegates were not apprehensive about discussing their impressions of Iran with ConGenOff, but found this as opportunity to advise Washington that now is the time to commence a rapprochement with Tehran. The delegates appeared extremely fond of President Obama and believed that Iranians shared the same views. Although skeptical of Ahmedinejad's leadership role in the Muslim world, most agreed that he had won the elections fairly because of his popularity with the poor, and that the protests were not a revolution but a demonstration of Mousavi supporter's resentment. ¶16. (C) ConGenOff was impressed with the detail and emotion that Shaikh especially shared in describing his travel to Iran. He is a successful, educated, conservative Sunni, who has no qualms about discussing his prejudices against Shi'a Muslims. Shaikh was not embarrassed to admit these prejudices, previously viewing Iran and Iranians as "backwards", and now seemed excited about his new revelation. He is optimistic about the many doors that this trip has opened to interaction with Shi'a Muslims in India and around the world. ¶17. (SBU) NOTE: ConGenOff believes that Shaikh would be the perfect candidate for the Departments International Visitor Program and hopes to nominate him in the near future. Shaikh also explained to ConGenOff that he has never had a desire to travel to the U.S. but would now be very interested in learning about US culture since he has perceived it as being a culture lacking family values, but still somehow yields a successful business community.(END NOTE) FOLMSBEE