US embassy cable - 05BAGHDAD4002

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 004002 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/27/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, PGOV, MOPS, KISL, IZ, Security 
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH MINDEF DULIME 
 
REF: A. BAGHDAD 3797 
     B. BAGHDAD 3985 
 
Classified By: AMBASSADOR ZALMAY KHALILZAD FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). 
 
1. (S//REL MCFI) SUMMARY:  On September 24 the Ambassador met 
with Iraqi MinDef Sadoun al-Dulime.  Discussions covered 
security in western Iraq, the effect of sectarian discord on 
referendum security, Iraqi-Jordanian relations, government 
corruption, and the apolitical development of the ISF.  END 
SUMMARY. 
 
-------------------- 
TAMING THE WILD WEST 
-------------------- 
 
2. (S//REL MCFI) Discussion began with security issues in 
western Iraq.  The Ambassador proposed the creation of a 
formal advisory board comprising regional locals to develop 
the most effective tactics and approaches for the Coalition 
and ITG for future operations in the area.  Dulime concurred 
that such a board would be a good idea but advised caution in 
selecting its members, since, according to him, western 
Iraqis residing outside of Iraq (particularly those in 
Jordan) are not as reliable as those actually living in Iraq. 
 Dulime added that he wants the situation in western Iraq to 
improve, as it would lead to improved conditions in Baghdad 
as well.  He also noted that he recently met with a 
delegation from western Iraq and urged them to participate in 
the upcoming constitutional referendum, without pushing them 
to vote for its approval. 
 
3. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime explained that the insurgents' 
strategy is to isolate western Iraq through local attacks and 
make the territory their own.  He also indicated that he does 
not want to "make war" with western Iraq, but he would 
respond strongly against insurgent factions.  Formation of 
the Desert Protectors, a unit of willing local tribesmen that 
would be incorporated into the IA for military operations in 
the West, has begun.  This unit will start out small but, if 
successful, would continue to expand. 
 
4. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime characterized the recent Tal Afar 
operation (Ref A) as a success, noting that a similar 
operation soon would be conducted in Al-Qaim.  When the 
Ambassador queried him on the status of the $50M pledged by 
the ITG for Tal Afar reconstruction (Ref B), Dulime answered 
that the funds are available. 
 
------------------------- 
CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM 
------------------------- 
 
5. (S//REL MCFI) The Ambassador stated concerns over security 
for the October 15 constitutional referendum, including Sunni 
fears of intimidation by Shia-dominated police forces. 
Sectarian concerns about the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are 
complicating referendum security planning, Dulime 
acknowledged.  Nonetheless, he added that MOD, MOI, and MNF-I 
are developing appropriate security plans. 
 
------------------------- 
IRAQI-JORDANIAN RELATIONS 
------------------------- 
 
6. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime described Iraqi-Jordanian cooperation 
as good, with positive interactions between their 
intelligence services.  The Ambassador outlined his recent 
trip there, noting a Jordanian offer of training and weapons. 
 Dulime said he had not received a formal invitation to visit 
Jordan and conclude an agreement on expanded training, but 
would welcome it as he desires wider cooperation with Jordan. 
 The Ambassador offered to follow to ensure that this 
invitation is passed on immediately. 
 
7. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime lamented that Amman, through its 
media criticism of the ITG, has become an ideological center 
against Iraq.  A large amount of terrorist financial support, 
he claimed, comes from Jordan.  However, he praised Jordan's 
effort to control its border with Iraq. 
 
----------------------- 
CORRUPTION - HOT BUTTON 
----------------------- 
 
8. (S//REL MCFI) The Ambassador raised the issue of past MOD 
corruption, which has received media coverage and USG 
attention.  Dulime countered that this corruption was exposed 
for political reasons and that the amount of money alleged in 
the corruption case ($1B) is exaggerated.  He described the 
allegations as detrimental, since the MOD's development 
suffers due to the malfeasance of previous officials. 
Unfortunately, Dulime continued, corruption is present 
throughout the ITG.  That the MOD was singled out, he 
concluded, highlights the political motivations. 
 
--------------- 
ISF DEVELOPMENT 
--------------- 
9. (S//REL MCFI) The Ambassador stressed that the MOD, along 
with the MOI, should not become politicized.  Otherwise, it 
would undermine the integrity of the institution, with the 
potential to lead to civil war.  Therefore, it is crucial for 
the ISF to be neutral.  If the central government is 
perceived as sectarian, it will aid Zarqawi.  The Ambassador 
also emphasized the importance of controlling corruption.  He 
cautioned Dulime to resist pressure from those trying to 
politicize the security sector.  Dulime concurred with this 
approach. 
 
10. (S//REL MCFI) Dulime concluded by requesting USG 
assistance with continued Iraqi Army modernization, 
particularly in improving mobility and firepower. 
Khalilzad