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Hunter Opening Statement for Pakistan Hearing
Washington D.C. – U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Republican Duncan Hunter (R-CA) today released the following opening statement for the full committee’s hearing regarding the security challenges involving Pakistan and policy implications for the Department of Defense:
“Thank you to our Chairman, Ike Skelton, for holding a timely hearing on the security challenges involving Pakistan and policy implications for the Department of Defense – a topic of critical importance. Second, I would like to welcome our witnesses – all outside experts who have examined the U.S.-Pakistan security relationship.
“Your testimony is welcome as it will help to inform this Committee about the current and future U.S. partnership with Pakistan, specifically how the United States can maintain a strong and lasting defense relationship which supports our common interests in fighting the war on terror and contributes to security and stability in the region.
“Since the September 11th terrorist attacks on the U.S. homeland and President Musharraf’s decision to join the United States in the war on terror, Pakistan has been a key ally of the United States and a valuable strategic partner. Today, it supports U.S. and NATO-led military operations in Afghanistan and makes significant contributions and immense sacrifices against extremism and militancy. These efforts have resulted in a number of al Qaeda and Taliban leaders killed or captured in Pakistan.
“In addition to its counterterrorism efforts, Pakistan has made progress on its eastern border with India – tensions between the two nations have noticeably decreased due to confidence-building measures and Pakistan and India are both committed to taking steps toward resolving the historical animosity that exists over Kashmir. I am interested in your thoughts regarding the United States’ role in the Indo-Pakistani dialogue process.
“Although their have been many positive dividends during the last six years, we must also recognize that there have been some troubling developments. In July, this Committee heard from intelligence officials who assessed that the al Qaeda terrorist network had become progressively active in Western Pakistan, where they have “safe haven.”
“For the last eight months, I have expressed my concerns over such developments and the internal challenges facing Pakistan’s leaders – military – and – people. Today I would like to get your views on the following:
“On the security front: 1) al Qaeda’s exploitation of the September 2006 tribal peace agreement in Waziristan, which allowed some of the top al Qaeda leadership to hide-out, operate, and plot and plan; 2) the status of Taliban entrenched along the Afghan-Pakistani border and Baluchistan regions and the impact on military operations in Afghanistan, and 3) the status of the safety and security of Pakistan’s nuclear materials and technologies.
On the political front: 1) the current and evolving political environment – from the recent reelection of President Musharraf on Saturday and the surrounding circumstances; and 2) the likelihood that the political power equation in Pakistan will change and what that could mean for the U.S. – Pakistan’s security relationship.
“Although we are the Armed Services Committee, reviewing and understanding this political dynamic helps us assess how it relates to the willingness, capacity, and capabilities of the Pakistan government to address the extremism that resides on its soil as well as other strategic challenges it deals with in the region.
“I think it is important to recognize that weeks after the July release of the U.S. National Intelligence Assessment on terrorists threats to the U.S. homeland and the storming of Islamabad’s Red Mosque, President Musharraf increased pressure on the extremists residing in the tribal areas and declared that Pakistan will not tolerate al Qaeda sanctuary by moving two Pakistani army divisions in to the federally administered tribal area (FATA). There are now approximately 100,000 troops from the Pakistani army and Frontier Corps conducting counterinsurgency operations. President Musharraf has also committed to increased development assistance to compliment this military offensive. I am interested in your assessment of these ongoing operations.
“These renewed operations have not gone without a challenge from the militants. Security forces face resistance and increased pressure. These are reported casualties resulting from suicide bombings and the soldiers seized in the South Waziristan region at the end of August have yet to be released.
“It is my view that the United States should continue to support Pakistan’s increased efforts to pursue and defeat al-Qaeda and Taliban inside Pakistan. We can do this by maintaining our commitment to deliver robust military assistance as required and as requested, especially for enhancing its counterterrorism capabilities. It is also equally important that the we ensure Pakistan’s government, military, and people that the United States is committed to the region, and will be for the long run.
“Pakistan stands as an important and central nation in a critical region. Pakistan should continue to follow a trajectory of stability and prosperity – achieving this end not only benefits the Pakistan government and its people but it helps bolster security and stability in the broader South Asia region; the United States and the rest of the world.
“I look forward to the testimony from our panel of outside experts and the discussion today’s hearing offers.”
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