US embassy cable - 05BAGHDAD3635

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003635 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, IZ 
SUBJECT: AL-YAWR PLEASED WITH PROGRESS ON TALL'AFAR; AGREES 
MORE POLITICAL WORK SHOULD BE DONE 
 
 
Classified By: A/DCM David C. Litt for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
1. (C) Summary. In separate September 1 and 3 meetings with 
the Ambassador, Deputy President al-Yawr encouraged Coalition 
engagement in addressing the situation in Tall'Afar. 
Ambassador raised ways to mitigate negative Sunni reaction to 
military engagement in the city.  Al-Yawr agreed to the 
Ambassador's proposal to form an advisory group to consult 
with the ITG and MNF-I on military operations. End summary. 
 
2. (C) At a September 1 meeting on the constitutional process 
(septel), Deputy President al-Yawr encouraged Coalition 
engagement in Tall'Afar.  Yawr said that the local population 
had a higher degree of confidence in coalition forces than in 
local police.  He said that continuation of the status quo 
would radicalize both the Shia and Sunni populations in the 
city.  Yawr insisted that removal of the current, highly 
distrusted Shia police chief was key to restoring public 
confidence in local authorities. 
 
3. (C)  On September 3, the Ambassador informed al Yawar that 
the USG worked with the ITG to ensure a balanced delegation 
was being sent to Tall'Afar to develop a plan with local 
leaders on military action and that Minister of Interior Jabr 
would be firing the chief of police.  Responding that this 
was very good outcome, al-Yawr said "We are ready for any 
round of talks," and added "quiet talks."  Ghazi replied that 
United Iraqi Alliance members are pushing for military 
operations in areas, but stressed that this would have a 
negative reaction in the Sunni community. 
 
4.(C) The Ambassador suggested that a forum be created for 
Shaykhs and leaders to advise MNF-I and the ITG on military 
operations.  Ghazi quickly agreed to the idea, adding that 
leaders from the 7-8 prominent tribes could be included. 
Underscoring the importance of avoiding unnecessary violence, 
Ghazi said that in his area, many people want to support 
MNFI.  But he added, if there are problems, this crucial 
Sunni support could evaporate. 
Khalilzad