Keep Us Strong WikiLeaks logo

Currently released so far... 5420 / 251,287

Articles

Browse latest releases

Browse by creation date

Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
QA
YM YI YE

Browse by classification

Community resources

courage is contagious

Viewing cable 08CAIRO2255, A/S WELCH'S MEETING WITH FIELD MARSHAL TANTAWI

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs

Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
  • The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
  • The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
  • The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.

Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #08CAIRO2255.
Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
08CAIRO2255 2008-10-26 13:01 2011-02-16 21:09 SECRET Embassy Cairo
P 261349Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0717
INFO ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
S E C R E T CAIRO 002255 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2018 
TAGS: PREL MASS MARR IZ IR EG
 
SUBJECT: A/S WELCH'S MEETING WITH FIELD MARSHAL TANTAWI 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Margaret Scobey per 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (S) Summary: On October 21, Assistant Secretary David Welch and Ambassador met with Minister of Defense Field Marshal Tantawi to discuss the bilateral security relationship, supporting the Iraqi government, and containing Iran. A/S Welch noted that the security relationship remained strong, but encouraged the Egyptian military to play a larger role in regional security, including building stronger relations with the Iraqi military. On Iraq and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Tantawi agreed that the GOI must find a way through the current political impasse, fearing that a precipitous withdrawal of U.S. troops would "leave a chance for Iran to interfere." End Summary. ------------------------- Iraq: More Support Needed -------------------------

2.(S) A/S Welch provided an overview of the proposed SOFA and urged Tantawi to privately encourage the Iraqis to overcome their political differences and support the agreement. Tantawi agreed on the importance of reaching an agreement before the UN mandate expires at the end of the year. "Don't run away, this will only damage Iraqi security and leave a chance for Iran to interfere," Tantawi continued. Tantawi asked what else the Egyptian military could do to support Iraq. A/S Welch replied that re-establishing a strong military relationship was important, and encouraged Tantawi to send a high-level military official to Baghdad once the Egyptian embassy reopens. Tantawi replied that once the Egyptian Ambassador arrived in Baghdad, he would send "military representatives" at an undetermined level. Later, in a smaller group, A/S Welch recommended that Tantawi send a general officer to visit Baghdad soon to initiate direct contact between Egyptian and Iraqi forces, and that he convey his decision to do so in his call to General Petraeus to congratulate him on his change of command. --------------------- Iran: What Can We Do? ---------------------

3. (S) Tantawi solicited A/S Welch's opinion on the best way to handle Iran and contain their regional influence. A/S Welch replied that "Egypt must be strong on Iran" to counter Iranian perceptions of strength, adding that improved security in Iraq and Lebanon eroded opportunities for Iranian interference. Tantawi agreed on the need to keep political pressure on Iran to stop its nuclear program, but urged against using military force. --------------------- Security Relationship ---------------------

4. (C) A/S Welch acknowledged the strong U.S. - Egyptian security relationship and encouraged Tantawi to seize the opportunity of a new administration and Congress by playing a greater role in regional security issues. Ambassador added that potential areas for increased cooperation included Iraq, Iran, and counter terrorism. Tantawi agreed that the new administration would "be a chance for us" to demonstrate Egypt's ability to foster regional security and stability.

5. (S) Comment: Tantawi's physical and mental health has long been rumored to be deteriorating. During the meeting, however, Tantawi appeared in good health and was engaged and quick-witted throughout the conversation.

6. (U) Assistant Secretary Welch has not cleared this message. SCOBEY NNNN End Cable Text