VZCZCXRO7247
OO RUEHDBU RUEHIK RUEHYG
DE RUEHBUL #0336 0350303
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 040303Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5844
INFO RUCNAFG/AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/OSD WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 3596

UNCLAS KABUL 000336 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/FO DAS GASTRIGHT, SCA/A 
STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE, AID/DCHA/DG 
NSC FOR HARRIMAN 
OSD FOR KIMMITT 
CENTCOM FOR CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76 POLAD 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: MCAP MOPS PREL PGOV PTER PHUM AF
SUBJECT: BAGHLAN GETS NEW GOVERNOR 
 
REF: 06 KABUL 5879 
 
¶1.  (U) Dr Mohammed Alam Ishaqzai, who until recently 
served as Nangarhar Deputy Governor and Director of 
Finance, has been selected as the new Governor for 
Baghlan Province.  Governor Gul Agha Sherzai of 
Nangarhar confirmed Ishaqzai's appointment to PRT 
officials at a meeting at Jalalabad Airfield on Jan 
¶25. 
 
¶2.  (SBU)  PC Chairman Muslimyar had 
reported to the PRT last November that Dr. 
Ishaq Zai was a leading candidate for the 
position of Deputy in the Ministry of 
Interior in Kabul  (Reftel).  The news of 
his appointment as governor of Baghlan 
Province came as a surprise to PRT 
officials, and will leave both the Deputy 
Governor and Director of Finance positions 
in Nangarhar open, as Dr. Ishaq Zai held 
both positions. 
 
¶3.  (SBU)  Comment:  Ishaqzai is known for his 
intellect and honesty, and will be missed in Nangarhar 
province.  However, he is definitely deserving of this 
appointment, and his good qualities should serve 
Baghlan province well.  There are unconfirmed rumors 
that Baghlan's previous governor, Sayed Ekramuddin, 
may move on to a highly ranked position in the 
Ministry of Interior in Kabul. 
NEUMANN