Im going to call the meeting to order. The subcommittee. Thank you all for coming today. A couple of things to start with. Number one, we are going to have votes starting at 3 00. Well deal with that when we have to deal with that. Second thing is this committee doesnt meet as frequently as many other committee, but primary reason being the issues that we deal with are of sufficient magnitude generally dealt with by the whole committee. So either this committee wraps itself around the other or viceversa, dpeending how you look at it. But in any event, we really deem that this was appropriate subject, however, for this subcommittee. Obviously, the complexity of dealing with the issues on north africa are certainly worthy of our consideration. Thus the meeting today. And we have a very good panel to help us deal with these, people who deal with this all the time. So thank you all for being here. Ambassador sales, i know your travel schedule has been quite robust and as a result of that i appreciate you accommodating us to actually be able to be here yourself today. North africa is an important region for the United States as well as transatlantic security. Several years ago we watched the arab spring begin in tu tee shah and spread across the middle east. They were tired with the slow pace of change. Despite the aspirations they did not meet that. Today we still see weak institutions and strong leaders make change difficult. And in the process safe havens continue to exist for terrorists. Region especially morocco and tu tunis shay has seen them join in iraq and syria. Now they pose a threat as they return to the region, to their own homeland. Morocco and algeria strong to do with the United States. And requires a commitment to help build their institutional capacity. Isis is increased presence in the sign nye is troubling to say the least. The attacks against Coptic Christians and muslims like the recent mosque attack highlight how large a threat isis still is in the region. In libya, we see rival factions in weak institutions undermine the capacity to govern the country. Leaving few partners to work with the fight against terrorism. The biproduct is freedom of movement for terrorists to plan, train, and finance their activities. At the same time, countries around the region are competing for influence and power, rather than helping the domestic leaders build capacity and effective institutions to gf rn their own country. This only under mines Counter Terrorism efforts. However, this challenge is not something that can be through military source. Targeted air strikes have been helpful but political resolution in libya is vital to building longterm partner capacity and actually rooting outer rhythm. If factionalism persists we will never get beyond military action. Also i worry that the broader region is not becoming just a Training Ground but a base of operation as deeper affiliations with International Terrorist organizations are growing. This has profound implications for european security, as smuggling and extremists themselves cross the mediterranean into europe. There is an opportunity for the United States to partner with our allies in europe, and the gulf to help bring more stability to the region. And i look forward to hearing our witnesses help explain how we can accomplish this challenging task. I know that senator cane wants badly to join us today but like all of us he has challenges and he is going to be here so well look forward to his Opening Statement when he gets here. In any event, i want to thank both ambassador sales and ambassador polaschik, and ask you to honor us with what you have to say and well start with ambassador sales. Well, thank you very much. Chairman risch, Ranking Member cane, and other members. Subcommittee. Id like to thank you for inviting me to discuss u. S. Terrorism efforts in north half ka. And mr. Chairman, should i pause now to hear from senator kalne. Very good. Well, id like to thank you for holding this hearing. And im especially grateful to you for scheduling this hearing at a time that allows me to personally participate. Our top priority in the region is to prevent terrorist groups from threatening the United States by denying them the ability to operate in the continents vast under governed spaces. They are capable of exporting violence around the world, striking us here at home, and striking the home lands of our closest allies. We saw al qaeda do this from afghanistan in 1990 through 9 11. More cree end will i saw isis do the same thing from false caliphate in syria and iraq. This is the reason why we are helping the sometimes fragile states of north africa build their Counter Terrorism capacity. We want to develop their capabilities to the point where they are able to defend themselves without relying on assistance from the United States. Today, isis is on the ropes in syria and rye rack, but significant challenges remain. Isis networks in north africa, as you already mentioned senator, for enter wrist fighters from the region traveled to the war zone and now seek to return home. Al ki da affiliates. Today ill say have been working with north african partners to address these and other problems. First Law Enforcement and criminal justice. Strong stable and responsive governments are an important bull work against terrorism. Thats why we appropriate legal frame works to effectively prosecute terrorist offenders. In particular, we strengthen our partners availability to prosecute, and add judd kate terrorism related crimes. We also help them build Crisis Response teams that are capable of responding to terrorist attacks in realtime. Second, Border Security h terrorists exploit long porous borders in remote parts of the country. Important part is information sharing. For that reason weve worked with interagency partners agreements with dozens of country. As you know hspd calls for information sharing about known and expected terrorists. We also worked to stem the flow of ftfes across international borders. This means getting our partners to use interpols and other resources. We are also expanding the pisces program, that rather is personal identification secure comparison and evaluation system. Its a mouth full, but what it does do is has state of the art border skrieng systems for 23 countries. Third important tool is designations. State department has listed a number of for enter wrist organizations that are active in north africa. Examples include isis sign nye, isis libya, aqim, andal shah require a, using these designations helps us cut off the financial flows that are the life blood of these organizations. Fourth we work to counter radicalization in a way thats tailored to each north african country unique circumstances. It isnt enough to stop them from traveling to the war zone or remove them from the battlefield. This is battle of ideas. And we also need to delegit i. C. E. Them in the first place. Finally, looking beyond the department of defense u. S. Terrorism priorities in north africa by taking feet directly to the enemy. On october 29 t our soldiers captured allegedly involved in the 2012 benghazi attacks. Transferred him to the United States for prosecution where he will face justice. We continue to investigate the perpetrators of this attack and we look forward to bringing them to justice. Mr. Chairman, mr. Ranking member, thank you again for holding this hearing. Ill now turn the floor over to ambassador polaschik who will discuss some of the political and diplomatic aspects of our efforts in the region. Thank you. Ambassador polaschik. Chairman risch, Ranking Member kalne, subcommittee members, thank you for the invitation to appear before you. As ambassador sales just described, isis and other terrorist groups have been significantly degraded in this region. Nevertheless, these groups continue to capitalize on political friction, economic frustrations, and regional fragmentation in their quest to destabilize our partners and threaten against u. S. Interests. As our efforts, United States is working closely with our partners in north africa as they seek to advance political reconciliation, promote Economic Reforms, and street enCivil Society to ensure a robust and comprehensive approach to our collective threats. Id like to speak briefly about our specific efforts and also would like to submit a statement for the record. Turning first to libya, where the ongoing political crisis continues to Impact Security throughout the region, libya must first overcome the current political impasse to achieve lasting stability. That is Contract Administration recently hosted Prime Minister in washington to reaffirm support for government of National Accordion mediate political settlement. We engage all libyans to pursue their ambitions through the ballot box. Any attempt to impose a military solution will only fuel this providing isis as a base to threaten the u. S. And allies. Potential for greater is greater concern. As it does deck cratic transition, economic and social marginalization have prompted approximately 4,000 tune asians to join isis. U. S. Engagement is focused on supporting their efforts to enhance ability to respond to this threat. Ju dishd capacity to investigate and prosecute those involved inter rhythm. And tackling the root causes of the for enter wrist fighter phenomenon. In tunis last month the deputy secretary of state spoke directly with leaders about economic challenges, pledging u. S. Support, but urging quicker implementation of reforms that are vital to ensuring all of them are able to participate fully in all life. Algeria, where i recently served as u. S. Ambassador has wisped dramatic improvement in political, economic, and security situation since the 1990s. Today, algeria stands as highly effective antiterrorism partner able to deny terrorists safe haven and working to build the capacity of fragile neighbors. A measured but effective economic liberalization in recent years has under guarded this transformation. Morocco is a capable security leader, particularly with respect to county violent extremism on the african candidate. It is a net exporter of security. For example, in close cooperation with us, they have trained counter forces in chad while lent powerful support to strengthen the support to terrorism. Egypt remains an important strategic partner. Its most pressing internal security challenge is the isis affiliate in northern sinai. Let me pause to reiterate the u. S. Condolences for the horrifying mosque attack that killed over 300 egyptians. Also targeted christians appalling Church Bombings antiques on pilgrims. Other terrorist groups have claimed on officials and Police Outside the sinai. For cairo, instability there represent critical threats to egyptian security. We remain committed to supporting egypts efforts to defeat terrorist threats. Building on decades of Strong Security ties, we are seeing growing Counter Terrorism cooperation and continuing Strong Military efforts across a range of programs. Turning briefly to economic stability, president assisi has taken bold steps on reform and economy is improving albeit slowly. Finally, we will continue to emphasize importance of comprehensive approach to Counter Terrorism that protects damage to civilians. We have been engaged in frank but inconclusive about egypt ngo. We have raised and will continue to raise senior levels our concerns about policies that challenge democratic goff new orleans nans governance and Civil Liberties and the need for robust society. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member kalne, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. And i look forward to answering your questions. Thank you very much. I was really good comprehensive overview. And obviously we have the right panel here to delve into that. So with that, mr. Ranking member, did you, tim, did you want to make a statement . I think ill wait. Ill reserve my questions so ill yield to you. I poll gois for being a few minutes late but spared you hearing an Opening Statement from me. So there is some good news. Will et me jump into questions. One of the things im puzzled by, and you can offer some in shiegt into this, there are refl tively stable countries in north africa. Yet a large number of the foreign fighters come from these nations. Why is that the case . Why have they been such producers of foreign fighters who go to fight with isis . Well, thanks for the question, senator. And let me say its good to see you again. I think the answer to that question is very context specific. I think Different Countries have experienced radicalization. And the migration of for enter wrist fighters for different reasons. So tunisia for instance has sent 3 to 6,000 foreign titers into syria and iraq. Morocco by contrast has sent about 1700. The numbers from some ert f of the other countries are substantially lower. In the case of algeria, which exhibits low fighter resistance, i think part of the relative success is long history throughout the 1990s of combatting islamic violence in algeria. I think that that experience has helped algeria create governmental institutions and Civil Society institutions that help their population. Sort of inoculate their population against the siren song of radicalism. Of course not perfectly. All countries could stand to do a better job. But i think that experience from 1990s has been one factor that contribute ut today the relatively advantageous situation when it comes to for enter wrist fighters, sir. Interesting. Let me ask a second question. The president s announcement today about jerusalem, this body has long recognized the reality of jerusalem as the center of government for israel. But the reason that president s have not taken the step before now is not because of that reality. Its been because of advice by allies in the region, including allies of israel like jordan, saudi arabia, egypt who have basically said if the u. S. Weighs on that it may lead to extremism in the region, it could be dangerous either to israel or potentially dangerous to u. S. , u. S. Embassy personnel, et cetera. Is that a concern that we should be taking seriously following this announcement . And what is the state department doing to try to protect our Embassy Personnel in the region . Well, senator, i hope that youve had a chance to listen to the president s statement. I know you all have very busy schedules. I was just reading very quickly the transcript myself to make sure that i had the latest information. I think we need to look at a few issues here. First, as you said, the president recognized jerusalem as the capitol of israel and seat of government. But in his remarks president also said a number of important things about final status. And stressed that the specific boundaries of israel sovereignty are subject to final status negotiations between the parties. The United States is not taking a position on boundaries or borders. Maam, if i could interrupt. Because i dont want to run over time. I have the statement here and it does include that. The piece im particularly interested in is one aspect of the president s statement. Departments, this is summary, departments and agencies have robust security plan to ensure the safety of our citizens in the region. That suggestions that the administration was aware that this could have some negative security consequences for Embassy Personnel and others in the region prior to making the announcement. What is the state department doing . What are these robust security plans . Whats the state department doing to try to protect our people in the event that this announcement leads to the kinds of events that the king of jordan and others have suggested it might . Lt safety and security of american citizens both our american citizens working for the u. S. Government but also the safety of thousands of troops that we have throughout the world are paramount concern for this administration, especially for secretary tillerson who starts all of his Staff Meetings with focus on security sochlt this is something that we have been weighing very carefully. We have been meeting internally. We have been sending messages out to our embassies and consulates throughout the word to asking them to think about these issues. And also talking to our partner of governments to make sure we are doing Everything Possible to ensure the safety of our american citizens throughout the world. Do you know whether we have deployed, for example, additional Marine Security guards or other military or protective assets into areas likely to be affected should some of these concerns occur . Senator, i would be happy to provide more information in a closed session. All right. Thats fine. Thats enough for my first round of questions. I may have more. Sure. Well get back to you. Thanks so much. Senator young actually got through the door before you did. Ill turn off my light. Well, thank you, chairman. This hearing, like so many others, under scores nor me the importance of once again focusing on the need for this committee to pass an authorization for use of military force. As my colleagues know i introduced legislation back in march. I enjoyed working with many of my other colleagues who understand the importance of this issue and have led on this issue and a plaud the chairmans recent efforts to take up this cause and hopefully we can keep moving forward on that front. Ambassadors, the Counter Terrorism discussion often focuses on the kinetic element to the exclusion of other elements of that fight. Now, its certainly true there are some terrorists irreconcilable and have to be taken off the battle feed through military means. But ta comprehensive ct strategy has to be more than that. Its got to focus on capturing or killing todays terrorists while also addressing sources. Root causes of radicalization. Ambassadors, based on your current positions in your lifetime of experience, what do you see as the connection between on one hand our International Development efforts working with our partners and on the other, the fight against terrorists . Well, senator young, thank you for the question. I think there is a very tight and close relationship between development that leads to wellestablished democratic institutions, prosperous economies on the one hand, and Counter Terrorism successes on the other. Democracy is a great ball work against terrorism and efforts to build democracies that are open and transparent and responsive to the citizens and protective of basic civil rights are key Counter Terrorism tools. And the reason for that, i think, senator, is because democratic governments that provide their citizens a voice, an opportunity to be heard, falsify the false claim of terrorists that a resort to violence is necessary to address ones concerns. That is never the case, but it is especially not the case in a democratic government. And so i think that the broader sweep of usg policies that seek to develop the economies of countries around the world, and to strengthen their commitment to democracy, pay a number of dividends, not the which are Counter Terrorism dividends. Thank you. Ambassador polaschik, could you also speak to this issue, and not just perhaps focus on efforts to nurture tan and promote dislocation, but maybe more basic human needs, hunger, and economic development. Of course. Yes, and this is something that we are trying to do, to take a holistic approach at the drivers of radicalization. And as ambassador sales said, in his previous response, i think the context is different from country to country, from individual to individual. So we are trying to tailor our over all engagement in various countries to address as we see as the specific needs. So, for example, in tunisia, a lot of focus not just on strengthening the capacity of the Law Enforcement and the security service, but also looking at what its going to take to create employment so the large numbers of very highly educated young people actually have good, satisfying jobs. We have the tu nay shen american entrepreneur fund. We have all the programs focused on outleadership and training. In terms of the kind of basic humanitarian needs, as you know a lot of countries in our region have higher levels of income. So we dont have a lot of usid missions in the classic sense. Of course we have programs in other places, throughout the region, lib yeah, and yemen, things are focused more on the trafrn sigs, humanitarian assistance is very key part of this for countries in conflict. And the u. S. Has delivered hundreds of millions, in fact, billions of dollars of aid in recent years. Well, my sense informed by some recent authoritative reports is there is going to be increasing needs for our country to focus on this, working with other International Partners. There are two reports recently came out, first report was published just yesterday by the World Food Program usa, demonstrates the length between food in security and instability. And the second report was produced by the United Nations development program. Its entitled a journey to extremism in africa. And this report highlights the link between lack of Di Development on one hand and violent extremism on the other. And i would like to put both these in the record. And lastly id like to ask the ambassadors whether youve had a chance to review the reports. Not yet senator but well look forward to do so. You as well . Likewise. All right. Thank you ambassadors. Thank you. Senator booker . Yes. I have some questions. But a quick follow up. I mean, thats what worries me is the budgets reflect priorities. And we seem to be focusing when it comes to northern africa, sub za saharan africa. But i do worry about seeing budgets being proposed from administration. They are slashing a lot of these critical programs that ultimately create an environment for stability where we are not allowing folks to go down that pathway towards radicalization. In addition, our diplomatic resources in africa, something that we have concerns about as well. And investments we are making in Institution Building and the like. And i wonder if you can comment on that because senator young has made this point numerous times and i tend to agree with him. And actually growing more worried that we are relying on our military interventions with the thought that might somehow not only solve the problem immediately but deal with what i think are the longer term causes of radicalization. Great senator, thank you for raising it. I think ambassador polaschik and i and the entire state department and administration would give you the same answer. And that is that the kinetic aspects of counter tore rhythm strategy are important and vital. And so are very nonkinetic aspects. And that is why we are here today to tell but them. Let me if i could give you a couple of examples of some of the things we are doing in north africa. In the civilian space and Law Enforcement and cve space to round out the full sweep of government tools we are use to go address these threats, both long and short term. So in places like algeria, for instance, we are partnering with local Law Enforcement to develop their ability to investigate terrorism related crimes, working with judge s to help thm understand how to deal with complex witness protection. And also working with prison officials to help them manage the very difficult issues that arise when you are trying to incarcerate. And i appreciate that. Maybe for i would love to get the full detailing being that i only have three minutes left. Specifically to his point about food aid, the proposal coming from the administration is to cut the funding to the very programs that reports like this one show are necessary for us to create stability. Senator, if i might jump in on that. I think there is some very interesting and positive developments in north africa with respect to international cooperation. Because this is a part of the world where the impact of the terrorism of the migration flows of the smuggling is felt very keenly by europe. So, actually, i think tu nay she is a good example libya as well, where we rammed up our assistance, huge sums of money to help strengthen their institutions. Then the rest of the International Community has come in to pick up the slack and take on other projects. So for example there is a g7 initiative under way in which we are sharing the burden with our partners to help address all of these needs that you outlined. Libya is also another very positive example where the United States is doing part of it, but europeans are also doing a very major part. So i think as we look at the realities of this administrations budget requests, something that we have done very, very effectively is to work with our International Partners to make sure ha that w are looking at the needs and make sure other partners are engaging in areas where we might not be able to as robustly as we had in the past. And i wish we had more time. When you mentioned tu nnisia i T Administration reconciliation law which gives blanket immunity for ser vabts. I want to in my remaining moments ask about the Human Trafficking problem. Im sure you all saw the cnn videos that were released with what is to me a heartbreaking evidence of modern day slavery of the trafficking going through from areas that my subcommittee covers, which there is a lot of evidence that these Human Trafficking, in fact, the report says the decrease registered in migrants does not necessarily translate into 1 to 1 reduction because over all flow new routes. This is happening as Human Trafficking modern day slavery, this is something i know weighs on your hearts and anybody who is aware of the degree of it. Desperate people who are fleeing, seeking opportunities, ending up being sold in slavery is unacceptable and it should enrage this nation, and we should be doing something about it. So in the remaining moments can you maybe let me know what the u. S. Is doing to try to help address this situation . What kind of humanitarian aid . Migration related assistance . How we are cooperate wg our ally ns the region . And specifically with the eeu . And has the state department considered doing things to hold the per traitors accountable including sanctions under the magnitsky actor other authorities . We share 100 your concerns about this horrifying situation. And libyan Prime Minister was just in washington last week, that certainly was a topic of discussion. The Security Council met recently to talk about this and United States expressed deep concern. On the humanitarian front we have been doing this since 2011. So we continue to be engaged working with others to make sure that the people caught up in these horrific crimes get the care and assistance that they need. With respect to trying to get a handle on t i think this comes back to many of the issues that ambassador sales was talking about, making sure that there are the appropriate border controls, but also comes back to the root causes as the senators also identified people who are coming from these countries, elsewhere in the continent whose lives are desperate they are willing to make that journey across the sahara, clearly something needs to be done so that they have prospects in their own country. So its a multi facetted approach something that we are looking carefully and coordinate closely with our colleagues to make sure that we are looking at this in a holistic way. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. Thank you booker. Senator johnson. I want to thank the witnesses for your testimony and service to the country. In the committee that i chair, Homeland Security affairs, we have annual meeting and two years comey predicted that well see spreading of foreign fighters into other regions, diaspora. And this year some of the other witnesses had a more encouraging testimony saying that we really seeing those fighters stay there and die in raqqa. Although we have heard reports of fighters leaving raqqa. Today we had a hearing on this evolving fight. Lets face it, there is new phase now as we have denied them the territory, but not dpee nied them the cybercaliphate. But it was actually pretty encouraging saying that because turkey is shut down the migrant flow, its actually quite difficult for isis foreign fighters to leave that war zone, leave syria. Because we do not have representative from the department of state, i want to ask the ambassador and secretary, do you agree with that assessment . Are they pretty well trapped in that war zone . Ambassador sales . I think the situation today is much better than 2014. Much stricter borrower controls in place to monitor fighters across borders. That is not to say the treat has gone away. I think the threat has simply changed. As you know, the paris attacks two years ago in november of 2015 were carried out by foreign fighters. We are still seeing terrorist attacks today in europe, in United States, most recently in new york city, but have been in the war zone, but hatred that isis per ppetuates. They are able to reach people. Thats one of the concerns that we need to focus on. I understand that. But im asking about those foreign fighters being able to escape the war zone. Two years ago we had the migrant flow through turkey and clammed down on that. Are there other escape avenues . And polaschik, that sounds like a very wisconsin name, correct . Well, senator, i actually grew up here in alexander, virginia. But my family is from northeastern pennsylvania. So, yes, in terms of the other roots, as ambassador sales said the turks have clamped down but no system is infallible. I think what is positive since the hearing that you referenced is the actions that weve taken in libya. You know, and we have had a very good Counter Terrorism in Prime Minister and the gna, so we have very effectively with the libyans degraded isis capacity in libya, cert, then the follow on strikes in other desert kaemkaem camps. So i think what i was worried about was it would squeeze isis and pop out in north half ka hasnt happened. I know speaking with the algerians who follow these issues, they are concerned about the follow up effect on the sehel a region outside my expertise, but as ambassador sales and others have pointed out a region with weak institutions and limited capacity. So i think one of the positive things that the administration is doing is working with the stronger partners in north africa to help build the capacity of the weaker states. Morocco as i mentioned in my Opening Statement is doing great work. Algeria does as well. And this is something we can continue to do. Because these states share the same vision that we have in terms of the need for security stability. And those kinds of Economic Reforms as well. You might have answered my final question. In a full Committee Hearing chairman corker pointed out 19 different nations to try to prevent the spread of terrorism. Obviously history tells us we have failed states like afghanistan. If we allow those to continue to fester, terrorism build like we allowed isis to rise from the ashes of al qaeda and iraq, one of the Top Priorities would prevent that from happening. In the regions you are responsible for, which are the nations most at risk for being the failed state that type of terrorist activity could blossom . Senator, its difficult to say who is at the top of the list or who is at the bottom of the list. I would say that all countries have their challenges. And let me explain in a bit more detail mindful of the time what we are doing to help them meet those challenges. Its essential that the sometimes fragile states develop reliable and strong and capable institutions to deliver basic Government Services such as Law Enforcement, such as criminal justice, such as Border Security. These kinds of capabilities that we enjoy in the United States and in much of the developed world are useful tools in the Counter Terrorism toolkit. But i would go one step further, and say that in building ct cap akts in these areas, we also help these country address some of the concerns that senator booker poignantly raised a moment ago. A state that is capable of preventing a terrorist coming across its border is it also capable of preventing a human trafficker from coming across the border. A state ha has courts capable of adjudicating terror related crimes also Human Trafficking related crimes. So the ct investments we are making pay a number of dividends not just in the ct space but across the board i think. Thank you very much. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Both of you would like to ask some more questions. All right. Why dont we take a short recess so we can go down and vote at the end of this one, at the beginning of next one, and come back in a few more minutes. Is that all right with you . With that, well be in recess until we get back. recess . Well come back to order again. I see weve lost the onlookers, but we got the important people here, which is a good thing. I apologize for that, but it takes the wheels