The U.S. Senate Committee of Foreign Relations held a hearing on the nomination of Anne Patterson, former ambassador to Egypt, to the position of Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs on Thursday, September 19. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) presided over the hearing.
For full event notes, continue reading or click here for the PDF. A video of the hearing can be found here.
Senator Robert Menendez opened the panel by extending his thanks to Patterson for her service, pointing out that “She was in the eye of the storm as the winds of the Arab Spring began to blow across the region and her expertise and experience served her well.” He stated that he was looking forward to supporting her nomination, but wanted to hear her address some concerns in the region specifically sanctions on Iran, Egypt’s democratic transition, the failure to protect the MEK compound in Iraq, and the peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
Amb. Patterson opened her testimony by noting that the changes and upheavals in the Near East carry the promise of democracy in the long run, but that the region would likely continue to experience disorder in the near future. She detailed her four priorities for the position, including increasing security in the region against violent extremism, promoting democratic transitions and the protection of minorities, creating economic opportunities, and guaranteeing the safety of American personnel serving overseas.
In her more detailed written testimony, Patterson addressed key concerns in specific nations in the region, starting with Syria. She commented on the recent negotiations for Syria to dismantle its chemical weapons stockpiles and added that the world now expects Russia to hold Syria accountable for fulfilling its part, adding “Clearly, the threat of unilateral use of force by the United States played a key role in propelling the Assad regime to finally acknowledge its CW program and declare its willingness to accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). If these efforts fail, the President has made clear that he remains willing to act.” She stated the administration’s support for the moderate opposition and pledged to work with the committee closely regarding issues of humanitarian aid and assistance to the opposition forces. Patterson then noted Lebanon’s efforts to promote democratic practices and promised to continue support to the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, as well as economic aid to support the large number of Syrian and Palestinian refugees. She then moved on to Jordan and commended King Abdullah II’s efforts at political reform, which she called “vital to Jordan’s security, stability, democratic development and economic prosperity.” She said the U.S. would continue to provide Jordan with bilateral support for reform, as well as aid to ease the burden of hosting Syrian refugees.
Patterson focused next on Egypt, noting that her time as ambassador to the most populous Arab nation had shown her that Egypt was a bellwether for change in the region and she affirmed “I remain convinced that Egypt is an extraordinarily important country for the national security interests of the United
States – it is a country that deserves our continued partnership and support.” She said that Mohamed Morsi was elected in free and fair elections, but then failed to govern in a way that sustained national consensus. She noted that “Demands for his removal regrettably were not tested by an electoral process, yet in the end Egyptians will be the ones to determine whether that action was correct,” emphasizing the administration’s concerns over the method of government change and the violence used against unarmed protestors. She stated that the interim government had proposed a roadmap for a democratic transition and that it was imperative for the process to be inclusive and respect the minority groups that exist in the society. She said that the administration had undertaken a thorough review of the aid offered to Egypt in the interest of evolving the bilateral relationship as Egypt changes. She stated “As we consider how to best recalibrate our assistance, we must take account all of the events that have taken place in Egypt, including the last two months.”
Moving to discuss the peace process, Patterson affirmed the U.S. commitment to the ongoing negotiations and to maintaining Israel’s security, while helping the Palestinians to develop governing bodies. She noted that this week marked thirty five years since the negotiation of the Camp David accords and commended the efforts of Secretary John Kerry, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Mahmoud Abbas in resuming negotiations, noting that she could not discuss the details of the talks in public and added “Everyone knows that this will not be easy, but the goal of a two state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side-by-side in peace and with secure borders is at the center of American national interests in the region and beyond.”
Concerning Iraq, Patterson emphasized the need for the U.S. to support Iraq’s efforts to build a stable, democratic nation, as well as “the increased production and export of Iraq’s energy resources, because they are so very important for Iraq’s economy – and the global economy.” She noted the cooperation that the U.S. has undertaken and will continue to undertake in regards to security from extremist groups that seek to “rekindle a cycle of sectarian violence that in the past did so much to damage relations between Iraqis.” She said that Iraq will participate in national elections in the first quarter of 2014, which would be a turning point in its path to democracy. Patterson then addressed Iran, stating that “The Government of Iran has for many years been the world’s foremost state sponsor of international terrorism — including in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon — and it continues to defy the international community by pursuing nuclear activity in violation of its international obligations.” She stated that the U.S. would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and commended the sanctions that have had a serious impact on Iran’s economy, commenting that this strain caused the population to vote for change in electing President Hassan Rouhani. She said that his governance has pursued a more moderate track that may lead to the end of Iran’s isolation and added “Should the Iranian government choose to engage substantively and seriously to meet its international obligations and find a peaceful solution to this issue, the United States will be a willing partner.”
Patterson continued by noting the strategic and beneficial relationships that the U.S. has with the countries of the Arabian Peninsula and said “These societies have struggled over the past decades to cope with the rapid pace of modernization, population growth and the rising expectations of their young people.” She commended the steps of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia towards social modernization, noting improvements of the educational and judicial establishments and gender equality. In regard to Bahrain, she said that the pace of reform has slowed, advised that the government pursue a process of dialog with the opposition and added “The U.S. will support Bahrain as it undertakes these reforms and expands its commitment to the protection of citizens’ universal human rights – changes that will enhance Bahrain’s long-term stability.” She then spoke on Yemen, describing the difficulties that existed regarding Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, but noted that Yemen had accomplished a relatively peaceful and well-defined transition and concluded by saying “ultimately, Yemen’s successful transition is a key underpinning of long term stability and security in the region, and the United States will continue work with the GCC and other international partners to support Yemen’s ongoing transition.”
In regards to Libya, Patterson stated that the country continues to struggle with serious challenges, but managed to hold free and fair elections last year. She stated that in this time of transition “The United States has a strategic opportunity to forge a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Libya” and promised to work to bring the perpetrators of the attack on the American special mission facility to justice. She discussed Tunisia next, noting that it has made significant progress, with the assistance of “$350 million in assistance to Tunisia to support its democratic transition, economic stabilization and growth, as well as its efforts to enhance security in the country and along its borders.” She added that Algeria controls one of the strongest counter-terrorism forces in the region and expressed hope that it would assume greater leadership in helping to stabilize neighboring states. She planned for the future, commenting “We are working to expand our trade relationship with Algeria and will continue to support efforts to make room for civil society and to implement other political reforms en route to Presidential elections next year.” Last she touched upon Morocco, which has undergone “reforms to strengthen the role of parliament, rule of law, and human rights” and has played an important role in international efforts to end the Syrian civil war. She ended her testimony by stating “In spite of the immense challenges, now is not the time to withdraw from the region. Instead, we must refocus our efforts in support of the many American strategic interests in the region.”
Senator Menendez opened the period for questions by asking about U.S. aid to Egypt, and at what point the government should consider suspending it based on the actions of the interim government. Patterson answered that although there have been worrisome developments, it was important to look at the roadmap that has been laid out by the government and consider the best way to support that transition. She said that they had been directed to review the aid package in order to modernize it, which was a work in progress. She also added that aid could also be utilized as leverage in the fields of investment and tourism, which are critical factors in re-stabilizing Egypt. Menendez responded that though he had originally been very vocal about continuing aid to Egypt, recent events have started to make him rethink his position. He then asked about Iran, stating that only actions will be convincing of Iran’s intent to move towards safety. He asked what more the U.S. could do to send a message to Iran about its actions. Patterson responded that she had been surprised about how successful the sanctions on Iran had been and credited them with the positive changes that have been seen recently. Menendez finished his time by commenting that he would be willing to lift sanctions on Iran if he saw concrete proof of compliance with international norms.
Senator Bob Corker (R-TX) posed the next question, asking Patterson if she had a sense of overarching policy in the region, or if the U.S. simply reacted to events as they evolved. Patterson answered that her written testimony had a more extensive strategy detailed for the region and clarified that in the process of promoting democracy the U.S. will have to deal with distinct economic differences and security interests, which will require both time and money to deal with. Corker then commented that it seems that the Middle East does not have a full understanding of the democratic process, clarifying that after elections are held those who win simply go about consolidating power, rather than governing justly to win re-election. Patterson agreed and said that it would be important for the U.S. to work with civil societies and political parties to develop the institutional structure for democracy. Corker then focused to Iran, saying that he appreciated her comments on the success of sanctions and asked if she knew what kind of discussions were going on currently in Iran, to which Patterson responded that she did not. Corker ended his time by addressing the situation in Egypt, and said that it is looking very similar to the Mubarak era, and then asked if anything had actually changed. Patterson said that something had indeed changed, noting that the population was now energized and able to communicate in new ways. She stated that the U.S. would need to work to channel this energy into legitimate political structures, rather than relying on the power of protests.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) started her questions with concerns about the Special Immigrant Visa Program in Iraq, which is due to expire at the end of September. She asked for Patterson’s description of what would happen to the people who utilize the program if it is not renewed. Patterson answered that the administration is asking for an extension and promised to help speed up the process. Shaheen agreed that it was a two part problem, and that the State department needed to expedite the process to help those that have helped our troops in Iraq. She then asked for an update on the Israel-Palestine negotiations, to which Patterson responded that she did not have any details as Secretary Kerry had taken charge of speaking on that topic and that she would try to arrange a meeting between him and the committee to discuss it.
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) took his time next and said that although he had questions about Syria and Egypt, he was going to put them aside to address Patterson’s comments about the sanctions on Iran, stating “I am shocked that you would call them successful. This is not a mission accomplished moment. I think they have been an abject failure.” He added that the sanctions were placed in order to change Iran’s conduct and have done nothing; on the contrary, Iran has acquired more means to refine nuclear materials. Patterson answered that they were successful in causing economic pain and that what matters is the results, which will take more time. Risch contended that the failure of the sanctions have made it appear that the U.S. will have to try other means to dissuade Iran from nuclear development and recommended that the administration remove the words ‘successful’ and ‘effective’ from its vocabulary when discussing sanctions. He also called for Patterson to take a message to the state department about the necessity to call for the release of one of his constituents that is currently imprisoned in Iran.
Senator Menendez argued that the sanctions have had a positive effect, but added that if in the end they are not successful, the only means left with be the use of force. He then asked Patterson to commit to making it clear to the Iraqis that they are responsible for the security of Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf and the recovery of the hostages taken, as well as a commitment to be responsive to inquiry, to which Patterson agreed. Senator Corker then asked the final question of the hearing about aid to Egypt, questioning Patterson which was more important to consider in U.S. dealings with Egypt: influence of national interests. She responded that national interest was the priority, especially with the military, and used the example of the negative outcomes of cutting off military aid to Pakistan. She said that the relationship with the Egyptian military and its relationship with the Israeli military was a cornerstone of peace, to which Corker asked if it was sometime necessary to continue a relationship with countries that do not always do what is in U.S. interests. Patterson responded that countries “do not always do what we tell them to,” but it is important to maintain contact for the sake of larger interests. Senator Menendez then closed the session by clarifying that the U.S. urges countries to take actions that are mutually beneficial, rather than telling them what to do.