Photo Credit: naleo.org
Within the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa held a subcommittee hearing titled, “U.S. Policy Toward the Arabian Peninsula: Yemen and Bahrain.” Testifying before the subcommittee was Barbara Leaf, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arabian Peninsula at the United States Department of State. Subcommittee Chair Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) presided over the hearing.
For full event notes click here for the pdf or continue reading.
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen began the hearing with her opening remarks. First, she stressed the need to continue to look at the big picture of the region and not simply focus on the Syrian crisis, Egypt’s transition, and Iran’s nuclear development. In outlining the current status of Yemen, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen emphasized the need for the U.S. and the international community to support the national dialogue and help the country “on a path toward democracy.” However, she cautioned, in order for the democratic path to succeed, the economy and security sector need to improve. Challenging administrations claims to the weakening of al-Qaeda, Ros-Lehtinen stressed the continued strength of al-Qaeda of the Arabia Peninsula and its threat to Yemen’s stability and U.S. national security. Turning to Bahrain, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen indicated that it’s in the U.S. national security interest to see a “stable, unified, and democratic Bahrain.” The Representative argued that the political dialogue had failed and the opposition is targeted by the regime for “arrest and prosecution.” Returning to the administration’s response to the lack of democratic progress, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen criticized the administration for “remaining silent throughout the process” and urged it to be more vocal for the moderate opposition. She concluded by urging the administration to work with the Bahraini government and the moderate opposition to help them reach an agreement, address the human rights abuses and fully implement the Bahraini Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI).
After briefly summarizing the current scene in Yemen, Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL) indicated support for the U.S.’s ability to provide technical support for free and fair elections, the development of civil society, and help with Yemen’s struggling economy, which Rep. Deutch suggested is often overshadowed by security concerns. Before turning to Bahrain, he rhetorically questioned what the U.S.’s long-term strategy in Yemen is. The King of Bahrain, Rep. Deutch suggested was a steadfast partner of the Gulf Cooperation Council and U.S. efforts to address regional concerns. He noted that the recent boycotts of the opposition threaten to unravel progress, and the U.S.’s response to the uprisings in Bahrain has been “somewhat puzzling.” In light of this, he indicated a desire for the witness to address what the U.S. long-term strategy will be in Bahrain and for the region as a whole.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Barbara Leaf began her opening remarks noting the strong relationship the U.S. has with Yemen’s President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi and that the transition process is taking strides forward. Ms. Leaf indicated that the National Dialogue Conference includes 565 delegates inclusive of all Yemenis, accomplishing what many thought was impossible. She cautioned though that the mere fact of an inclusive discussion did not eliminate the many challenges the members of the dialogue face. In particular, she singled out the renewed secessionist movement in the South leading to disagreements over the future structure of the state. In addition, Leaf argued that detractors from the dialogue process still exist. Leaf concluded her opening remarks on Yemen stressing the need for urgent relief and reform for the economic and security challenges. Shifting to Bahrain, Leaf indicated that the Gulf country is a major non-NATO ally that helps the U.S. in addressing security threats, piracy, and maintaining open sea-lanes. Turning to the internal dynamics of Bahrain, she noted the breakdown of the dialogue process and its repercussions on stability for the country. Ms. Leaf suggested that the U.S. has pressed the Government of Bahrain to create room for dialogue, but dialogue and reconciliation must be a decision between Bahrainis.
During the Q&A, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen asked Ms. Leaf how effective Executive Order 13611—”Blocking Property of Persons Threatening the Peace, Security, or Stability of Yemen”—has been. Ms. Leaf reiterated the U.S.’s close contact with President Hadi and that it is continuing to evaluate the process. She stressed that Yemen continues to face genuine political issues including possible obstructionism from those trying to derail the process, but the U.S. maintains a readiness to assist President Hadi. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen then asked about the economic deterioration of Yemen and the justification for increasing the U.S. government’s Economic Support Fund. Ms. Leaf noted that of the group, Friends of Yemen, the Saudis are the largest donors at $3.25 billion, but “endemic corruption” remains a significant problem. Turning to Bahrains’s BICI report, Ms. Leaf suggested that Bahrain is beginning structural reform, but noted accountability is falling short.
Rep. Ted Deutch then asked about the economic development of Yemen. Ms. Leaf pointed to the complete focus on the NDC. The donors, she suggested, are trying to improve the immediate term of essential needs like food and water, but it remains difficult. As for the Government of Yemen, she indicated its reluctance to take any politically risky action before the dialogue process is completed. The U.S., she insisted, is putting money in a variety of sectors and in consultation with them for an International Monetary Fund loan. Turning to Bahrain, Rep. Deutch asked about the space the Crown Prince of Bahrain, as the First Deputy Prime Minister, has to implement reform. Ms. Leaf responded by arguing that the U.S. does not peg all reform on the Crown Prince, but looks at the whole of the Bahraini government. In addition, she expressed that the King is fully committed to implementing the BICI recommendations.
Representative Ted Yoho (R-FL) focused on how to better utilize aid to produce an outcome more desired by the U.S. Ms. Leaf responded by explaining the difficult circumstances the U.S. mission in Sana’a are in, yet embassy staff are still able to get out and interact with Yemenis. Turning to the Yemenis, Leaf emphasized the daunting challenges including the 50% of Yemenis facing food insecurity and the lack of access to water across the country, amid significant security concerns.
Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL) asked what were the critical issues the U.S. needed to focus to help build the capacity of Yemen overcome its challenges. The Yemenis may “have bitten off too much” in trying resolve all of Yemen’s problems at once, Ms. Leaf suggested, but they had no choice but to do it all. Leaf reiterated the U.S. commitment to help Yemen through all its challenges including immediate aid provided through the United Nations. Rep. Schneider then asked about the influence of Iran in affecting events in both countries. Elements of the Houthis in Yemen and Shi’a opposition are involved with Iran to some degree, Leaf proposed.
The remaining questions by Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH), and Representative Randy Weber (R-TX) focused on the U.S. national security concerns for both countries that needed further elaboration in a classified setting. To watch the full hearing please click here.