US embassy cable - 04ABUDHABI4009

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 004009 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/14 
TAGS: PREL, PARM, MARR, IZ, TC 
SUBJECT: USAF LEADERSHIP MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OF UAE AND 
CROWN PRINCE OF ABU DHABI 
 
 
(U) Classified by Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4 
(b) and (d). 
 
1. (C) Summary: On November 7, Secretary of the Air Force 
Dr. James G. Roche, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General 
John P. Jumper, CENTAF Commander Lieutenant General Walter 
Buchanan, and the Ambassador paid their condolences to UAE 
President and Abu Dhabi Ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al 
Nahyan and his brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE 
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al 
Nahyan.  In an extraordinary show of friendship, Khalifa 
extended an invitation to the delegation to iftar, breaking 
the daily Ramadan fast together. End Summary. 
 
Sincere Sorrow Over UAE's Loss 
------------------------------ 
 
2. (U) Secretary Roche told both Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh 
Mohammed that the UAE and the entire world lost a true 
visionary and that the late President would be deeply 
missed.  General Jumper conveyed his great sorrow that the 
entire world had "lost a father."  In her third visit to 
the President in three days, the Ambassador reiterated her 
heartfelt condolences on behalf of the American people. 
President Sheikh Khalifa thanked the U.S. for its steadfast 
friendship and told the USAF leaders that "it was a great 
gesture to come out to express your condolences." 
 
3. (C) When the UAEG announced Sheikh Zayed's death on 
November 2, it also announced that Sheikh Khalifa would 
receive condolences after Maghreb prayers (at sundown) for 
three days. Our contacts told us that the family had 
received 9,000 visitors on Wednesday, 9,000 visitors on 
Thursday, and 21,000 visitors on Saturday, To accommodate 
the crowds, Khalifa extended the condolence period, beyond 
the three days initially announced.  With the exception of 
the Roche/Jumper visit, foreign delegations had not been 
invited to join the iftar meal during the mourning period. 
Our contacts explained that this gesture was intended to 
emphasize the strength of UAE - U.S. relationship. 
 
Iraq Concerns 
------------- 
 
4. (S) Sheikh Khalifa asked Secretary Roche about the 
status of troops on the ground in Iraq, especially since 
the interim Iraqi regime had called a state of emergency. 
Secretary Roche explained that the American troops are 
 
SIPDIS 
well-trained and will do the job to the best of their 
ability. Sheikh Mohammed told SECAF and CSAF that an action 
in Fallujah must be carried out and that he believes that 
restoring peace and calm in Fallujah is key to success in 
Iraq.  Sheikh Mohammed stated that, "the U.S. should have 
acted more forcibly sooner, but that you are doing the 
right thing now."  The conversation transitioned to Saudi 
Arabia's effort to stamp out extremism. 
 
5. (C) Sheikh Khalifa wanted to know if the US had any more 
information about Osama bin Laden since his tape surfaced 
just days before the American election.  Secretary Roche said 
he had no further information.  Khalifa wanted to know if the 
tape had an affect on the election to which Secretary Roche 
replied that it had strengthened the resolve of the American 
people to combat terrorism. 
 
A Relaxed Khalifa 
----------------- 
 
6. (C) A short post-iftar majlis gathering found Sheikh 
Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed relaxed and comfortable in the 
presence of the American delegation, despite the obvious 
sadness they felt over the recent loss of their father. 
After sharing lighter conversation, Sheikh Khalifa noted 
through an interpreter that, "It is only by the grace and 
mercy of God that we can laugh with our friends during our 
time of sorrow."  Embassy participants noted that he was 
relaxed enough with this delegation that he enjoyed a 
cigarette and extended a personal invitation to the 
visitors to bring their families out to vacation in the 
UAE. 
 
COMMENT: 
------- 
 
7. (C) Embassy participants noted that Sheikh Khalifa and 
Sheikh Mohammed appeared genuinely comfortable and relaxed 
when they were together.  The much-rumored rivalry between 
the two half-brothers was not at all apparent, which bodes 
well for the future as this generation of Al Nahyans 
assumes full control of the government.  Sheikh Mohammed 
clearly exuded a role of leadership, but often deferred to 
his older brother and always allowed him to speak first. 
Sheikh Mohammed was very comfortable speaking to the Air 
Force leadership in English during his own meetings, but 
used only Arabic and communicated through a translator when 
in the presence of Sheikh Khalifa.  The warm and congenial 
atmosphere during this meeting with USAF leadership 
demonstrated the desire of the UAE's new President to 
continue and deepen our very close and cooperative 
bilateral relationship. 
 
8. (U) SECAF and CSAF have cleared on this cable. 
SISON