Statement of Subcommittee Chairman Vic Snyder
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee
Hearing on “A Continuing Dialogue: Post-Surge Alternatives for Iraq”
January 16 , 2008
"The hearing will come to order.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations' fifth hearing on alternative strategies for Iraq.
"My colleague, Mr. Akin, and I entered into this series of hearings last July because we were frustrated by the tone of the discussion about Iraq last year, and the polarization that has occurred. The political debate on the U.S. strategy for Iraq had too often been framed by two extreme positions: "precipitous withdrawal" or "stay the course" indefinitely. Our hearings were an effort to bring in smart, experienced people who could help us identify and develop alternative approaches for Iraq.
"Our intent, again, is not to critique current or past policies, but to focus on the future. Through these hearings, we hope to enhance the public debate and inform full committee deliberations. Presidential election years are not necessarily the best time to debate the nuances of significant issues, but it is absolutely necessary for us to get past sloganeering to discuss the details of national security policies and strategies.
"Last July, over four hearings, we heard from retired senior military officers, defense policy experts, and academic specialists. The full committee has held many hearings on Iraq and passed legislation requiring the administration to report on a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq. That legislation will hopefully be signed into law next week.
"Our previous sessions made clear that we are focused on the future, and not merely intent on rehashing how we got to where we are. In July our witnesses were asked to address alternative strategies and key areas. Some of the specific things we were looking for were: the financial and personnel requirements to implement a given alternative; the impact on the people of Iraq; the impact on regional stability; the impact on U.S. national security generally; and the impact on the U.S. military.
"Our two returning witnesses were asked to update their views since so much has happened since July.
"General Keane, you testified that the dual aims of the surge were to create space and time for political reconciliation and the development of the Iraqi Security Forces. You also noted that if the counteroffensive worked, we could draw down troop levels more quickly and that that had to be done because our military was seriously stretched. Finally, you recommended interagency reform because our political, economic, and diplomatic contributions had not matched those of our military. I hope you will update your views for us.
"General McCaffrey, you testified that you didn't think it was the place of U.S. soldiers to try to solve the bitter sectarian struggle in Baghdad and you also didn't think using Commanders' Emergency Response Program (CERP) funds to pick up garbage and fix sewer systems was targeting the right problem. You also spoke of the interagency challenge, but did not see much utility to Provincial Reconstruction Teams. In fact, you said the effort so far was a "failure". Finally, you too thought the Army might partially collapse if we didn't start drawing down this spring.
"To you it looked like we'd either be in Iraq for about 3 years - the time it would take to see the surge through and then withdraw if there was a lack of Iraqi progress - or 15 years with a smaller force if the Iraqis stabilized their own situation. You didn't think Iraqi success was likely back in July. I understand you're a bit more optimistic now and I'd like to hear about that change in outlook, if I've characterized it properly.
"And, of course, we're seeking views on these issues and more from our two new witnesses.
"Since last summer, there have been a lot of changes. The UN Mission in Iraq has been slated for extension and expansion, our President and Prime Minister Maliki have signed an agreement to normalize relations by next December, we have new regional conditions, and the surge appears to have contributed to a decline in violence.
"So, we're interested in what our witnesses would recommend as a course of action now.
"Our witnesses' written statements will be made part of the record and will help us better understand their views. I hope that today will bring a vigorous discussion not only between subcommittee members and witnesses, but between the witnesses themselves. Anyone who was here for our July hearings, which are all available in audio format on the Armed Services website, will tell you that is exactly the kind of productive exchange we've had in the past.
"For today's hearing, we have another distinguished panel including:
- Dr. John Hamre, former Deputy Secretary of Defense and Comptroller and current President of the Center for Security and International Studies;
- Retired General Jack Keane, who has been actively involved in advising the White House and the civilian and military leadership at the Pentagon and in the field, and who appeared before us in July;
- Retired General Barry McCaffrey, who has been traveling to and reporting on Iraq in his capacity as an adjunct professor at West Point for several years now, and who also joined us in July; and
- Professor Christopher Kojm of George Washington University who also served as Advisor to the Iraq Study Group and was Deputy Director of the 9/11 Commission. He also served as an Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and for 14 years on the staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"Welcome to all of you.
"On an administrative note, we will use our customary five-minute rule today for questioning, proceeding by seniority and arrival time. Now, let me turn it over to Mr. Akin for any statement he would like to make."
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