House Armed Services Committee
Subcommittee Smith's opening statement--February 14, 2007
"Today we will hear from experts as to the current state of the global threat from al Qaeda and the challenge posed to our Special Operations Forces. Despite our initial progress in uprooting and dismantling al Qaeda after the attacks of September 11th, 2001, al Qaeda has evolved, grown, and metastasized across the globe. One need only look at the litany of terrorist attacks in recent years - from London to Riyadh - to be reminded the terrorists' global reach.
"While we were initially successful in disrupting al Qaeda in Afghanistan, our preoccupation with Iraq has given al Qaeda room to breathe, regroup, and recruit. That's why this hearing is particularly relevant today as Congress debates a resolution that repudiates the President's troop increase in Iraq.
"The two issues are linked: our entanglement in Iraq drains focus and resources from the pursuit of al Qaeda around the world, and provides a rallying point for al Qaeda supporters everywhere. A clear picture of the danger posed by today's al Qaeda and our current ability to confront them will help inform the debate on Iraq policy.
"The threat has changed, but our resolve remains the same. Our Special Operations Forces are, without a doubt, among our best tools to fight terrorism around the world. Congress will give our Special Operations Forces the tools they need to pursue al Qaeda wherever they may be found.
"Today's hearing will help us map out a better strategy to secure our country and prevent al Qaeda from further entrenching itself and threatening our interests across the globe."
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