Cablegate: President Mubarak On Afghanistan

VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHEG #1817 2601459
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
O 171459Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3658

S E C R E T CAIRO 001817

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/17/2019
TAGS: PREL MOPS PTER AF EG
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT MUBARAK ON AFGHANISTAN

Classified By: DCM Matthew H. Tueller per 1.4 (b) and (d).

(C) During a meeting with Special Envoy Mitchell (septel), President Mubarak warned the U.S. against sending additional troops to Afghanistan. He advised that a more successful strategy would be to limit U.S. presence and work through the "tribes and local people." Additional troops, he argued, would create the same problems that the Russians faced during their experience in Afghanistan. "Tell President Obama that Egypt can help, " Mubarak said, as "we know some elements" inside the country. He recommended keeping a small military force inside of Afghanistan for targeted counter terrorism operations. Mubarak noted that he would be sending President Obama and Special Representative Holbrooke a separate message on recommendations for Afghanistan. Scobey

© Scoop Media