Opening Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold at a Hearing on 'Yemen: Confronting al-Qaeda, Preventing State Failure'

Statement

Opening Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold at a Hearing on 'Yemen: Confronting al-Qaeda, Preventing State Failure'

"The attempt to blow up a U.S. airliner on Christmas Day has shined a spotlight squarely, if belatedly, on Yemen. I cannot overstate the importance of denying al Qaeda safe havens in Yemen and countries like it, an issue on which I have been working for years. The threat from al Qaeda in Yemen, as well as the broader region, is increasing, and our attention to this part of the world is long overdue.

"That's why I welcome today's hearing on confronting al Qaeda and preventing state failure in Yemen, and why I am pleased that the president will increase his focus on Yemen. But we need to remember, as we focus needed resources and attention on Yemen, that it shouldn't be seen as the new Afghanistan, or the new Iraq. Instead, Yemen highlights the broader need to develop a comprehensive, global counterterrorism strategy that takes into account security sector reform, human rights, economic development, transparency, good governance, accountability, and the rule of law.

"This hearing is an opportunity for us to focus attention on the strategy and policies we need to deny al Qaeda safe havens around the world, including in Yemen. It is also a chance for us to examine our policy in Yemen and better understand how we can develop a partnership that is both in our national security interest and helps Yemen to move towards becoming a more stable, secure nation for its people."

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