US embassy cable - 05AMMAN8027

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 008027 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/15/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, EPET, ENRG, PINR, IZ, JO 
SUBJECT: IRAQ SUNNI OUTREACH: AMBASSADOR KHALILZAD'S 
MEETING WITH TALAL AL-GAAOD 
 
REF: AMMAN 2796 
 
Classified By: CDA DAVID HALE, REASONS: 1.4 (B &D) 
 
1.  (C) Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad outlined the most 
recent revisions to the draft Constitution, including 
probable changes addressing Arab concerns over federalism, 
Iraq's Arab identity, and qualifications for citizenship, 
during an October 3  meeting in Amman with Jordan-based Iraqi 
businessman and Anbar tribal figure Talal al-Gaaod.  Note: 
al-Gaaod is a behind-the-scenes financial supporter of the 
Sunni Waqf, and maintains a widespread network of Anbar and 
other Iraqi Sunni political contacts (reftel).  End Note. 
 
Draft Constitution 
-------------- 
 
2.  (C) Al-Gaaod welcomed the proposed changes, and urged 
that they be adopted quickly with maximum fanfare.  He also 
urged that copies of the revised constitution draft be 
distributed to the public in large quantities as soon as 
possible to help combat inaccurate rumors and generalizations 
about the nature of the text.  Khalilzad agreed, and stressed 
that the time has come for some leading Sunnis to publicly 
express appreciation for the efforts to address Sunni 
concerns.  Influential Sunnis also need to step forward and 
acknowledge that the draft constitution is an amendable, 
compromise document that provides an acceptable basis for the 
December general election. 
 
Comments on Possible "Inter-ethnic" Leaders 
------------------------------- 
 
3.  (C) Khalilzad called the December election "make or 
break" for Iraq.  It is essential that Sunnis - along with 
the Kurds and the secular Sh,ia - turn out in large numbers 
to support a multi-ethnic coalition or electoral alliance 
that will counter Iranian influence and work to unite Iraq 
and make it a successful, prosperous state.  While Iyad 
Allawi and his party are part of this picture, there is a 
need to identify and encourage additional moderate leaders 
and movements that have potential appeal and are ready to 
work constructively with others in the interests of Iraq. 
Al-Gaaod agreed, and made the following comments regarding 
potential figures who could be part of this effort : 
 
Iyad Allawi - An important figure but a "one man show." 
Rather than exhausting his energy by trying to build a large 
pre-election coalition, he should focus on building loose 
electoral alliances based on shared principles with other 
(mainly regional) parties and individuals.  Al-Gaaod 
emphasized that Allawi should focus on Baghdad and the South, 
and not try to take Sunni votes.  He also needs to make 
better use of media. 
 
General Nazar al-Khazarji - former Chief of Staff of the 
Iraqi army during the Iran/Iraq war.  He was the putative 
leader of a coup d,etat against Saddam, allegedly called off 
at the last minute by the USG.  He is now living in Abu 
Dhabi, but has recently indicated a willingness to return to 
Iraq and help in reconstruction of the army and/or engage in 
politics. 
 
Hachem Hassani - Speaker of the National Assembly and a 
moderate who is winning increasing respect.  He recently quit 
the Islamic Party to form his own, more liberal movement. 
 
Adnan Dulaime - former head of the Sunni Waqf, he is moderate 
and respected; the recent U.S. Army raid on his home in 
Baghdad angered many Sunnis.  He has close ties to the U.A.E. 
 
Tarek Hashemi - a constructive, moderate member of the 
Islamic Party; however he may be tied to Muslim Brotherhood. 
 
Masha,an al-Jabouri - A National Assembly member with a 
significant regional power base and his own security force 
northeast of Baghdad.  A very practical politician with close 
ties to Masud Barzani. 
 
Mouwafak al-Rubaie - According to al-Gaaod, al-Rubaie is an 
Iranian stalking horse and an ethnic Iranian who has changed 
his name.  Whatever his personal feelings or views, he cannot 
escape from Iran's grasp without high risk of being killed. 
 
Future of Anbar Tribal Force 
------------------------ 
 
4.  (C) Al-Gaaod praised the current Governors of Anbar 
(Ma,moun al-Alwani) and Mosul (Draeid Kashmolah), but was 
dismissive of Sa'ad al-Janabi.  He also expressed 
disappointment at the "weak" role being played by Minister of 
Defense Sa,adoun Dulaime, which he attributed to a deal made 
by Dulaime with Ahmed Chalabi and Abdul Aziz al-Hakim.  Al 
Gaaod also blamed Dulaime for the "slow" start in standing up 
the proposed Desert Protection Force of tribal irregulars in 
Anbar.  Al-Gaaod complained that a unit of only 350 men (all 
from al-Qaim) has been authorized, and argued that at tribal 
irregular force of at least 4,000 needs to be set up as soon 
as possible in Anbar along the Euphrates river.  Khalilzad 
noted that the 350-man force is an experiment that needs to 
prove itself, but took al-Gaaod,s point.  Al-Gaaod predicted 
that the al-Qaim unit will quickly have a noticeable and 
positive impact on security in that part of Anbar. 
 
Anbar - a "mini Saudi Arabia"? 
--------------------------- 
5.  (C) Al-Gaaod discussed his business plans for developing 
the Akaz gas field and other energy prospects in Anbar in 
tandem with Fluor, Anadarko, and other investors.  He 
explained that establishment of a 500-megawatt gas-powered 
electricity generation plant is part of the project, and 
claimed that it could be set up within a year once adequate 
electricity payment guarantees are provided by the 
government, and construction started.  Overall, he opined 
that Anbar may be a "mini-Saudi Arabia." 
HALE