Photo Credit: Mohammad Hannon, File/Associated Press

At a meeting of the International Press Institute, Jordan’s Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour discussed Jordanians’ increased demand for freedoms of expression and press. Ensour stated that “the Arab Spring has opened new horizons and created more demands” for broadening these freedoms. He added, “Obviously, we’re not yet where we want to be, but we are determined to continue.” Ensour promised further liberalization and cited statistics of Jordanians’ internet use as evidence of increasing freedom. According to the prime minister, Jordan ranks third in active social network use in the Arab World and two-thirds of the population has access to the internet.

Participants in the meeting complained that Jordan’s reforms have been insufficient in addressing these demands. Nidal Mansour, head of the Amman-based Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists, said, “The Press and Publication Law has been and continues to be a sword on the necks of all journalists in Jordan.” The law requires websites dealing with “press materials” to register with the Department of Press and Publication, pay a fee, and appoint an editor who is accountable for all content, including reader comments. It also allows the department to block websites deemed to be in violation of the law. Although some limits on expression have loosened since the uprisings began, restrictions remain, including a ban on publicly criticizing the king, surveillance of journalists by intelligence agencies, and arrest of journalists and bloggers.

Last week, Congressman Gregory Meeks introduced a resolution recognizing the partnership and friendship between Jordan and the United States. The resolution praises Jordan’s cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and assistance with Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations and its  maintenance of open borders with Syria. The resolution also notes  that “Jordan is a leader for progress and tolerance in the Arab world and recently held parliamentary elections, as part of a political reform movement.” A bipartisan group comprised of Reps. Boustany, Deutch, Engel, Faleomavaega, Cleaver, Fortenberry, Grimm, Hastings, Lowey, Moran, Schiff, and Weber co-sponsored the resolution.

For full hearing notes, continue reading or click here for a PDF.

Senator Menendez reminded the committee of the increasing strategic importance of the Maghreb and Sahel to America’s long-term security interests, as well as expressing the hope for a balanced approach to embassy security and the need to engage with the people of Libya and Chad beyond the diplomatic missions. Eager to capitalize on the popularity the U.S. enjoys among the Libyan people, Menendez asked how “to harness that goodwill to help the Libyan people shape a safe, productive, and inclusive democracy that has a healthy relationship with the United States,” despite the challenges of disarming militias and unifying the government.

Senator Tom Udall (R-NM) read a brief statement acknowledging Ambassador Jones’ qualifications and recommending her for the post of ambassador to Libya.

In her statement, Ambassador Jones expressed optimism for the success of Libya’s democratic transition, asserting that limited U.S. assistance during its tenuous transitional period gives the U.S. “the best opportunity to help support and strengthen a Libyan government that can be a long-term partner of the United States.” Recognizing the need to address immediate security concerns, Jones also argued that U.S. engagement is key to realizing a stable Libyan government: “It is in our national interest, both strategic and ideological, as well as Libya’s, to see it fulfill its potential as a stable and prosperous democracy, with a fully-developed and active civil society and geographic areas, with respect for human rights and international norms.” She added, “Libya’s development of its full national capacity and sovereignty will enhance our own security and economic well-being through regional security and cooperation…” Similarly, she expressed confidence that Libyans’ successes since the revolution – national elections, renewed oil production, and a reconstituted government – and its “advantages compared to other Arab states recently affected by dramatic political transition” bode well for the country’s democratic future.

Ambassador James Knight pledged to address the strategic goals of the U.S. in supporting the Chadian government’s efforts to “counter the growing threats to regional security and to maintain and widen its regional engagement,” as well as support its pursuit of democratic reform. He praised the government’s cooperation in regional humanitarian assistance and serving as a key partner to the international community’s peacekeeping efforts in the region and Mali in particular.

Senator Menendez, reflecting on developments over the weekend involving militia intimidation of members of the Libyan parliament to pass the contentious Political Isolation Law, asked Ambassador Jones how democracy could succeed with imminent threats to the government from armed groups and how she would engage with civil society. Jones stated that the U.S. needed an ambassador in Libya after nearly nine months of high-level diplomatic absence and said she intended to focus on three elements of engagement: security (disarming and training militiamen); governance (rule of law and reconciliation); and civil society (engaging with the Libyan people across multiple platforms). Her first goal, she stated, was to take a “terrain walk” in Tripoli to acquaint herself with the country. She added that the problem of security had reached beyond Libya into Syria and the Sahel and that “more than ever, we recognize that working with these issues is not a bilateral issue, but a global issue. We must work with other countries with assets and interests in the region” to dismantle MANPADS and chemical weapons and to prevent the proliferation of weapons.

Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) stated that the U.S. had underestimated the challenges and security threats posed by Libya’s revolution despite America’s strategic interest in the country. “It’s really not a government: When you look at the militias, it’s remarkable the country is functioning.” He asked Ambassador Jones whether she would agree with his assessment. “Based on the briefs, I don’t know that we’ve underestimated,” she said, adding that the U.S. “has certainly had a setback” with not having an ambassador in the country since September. She reminded the committee that “progress after these transitions is unpredictable” and not “formulaic,” stressing that now was the time the U.S. needed to “double our efforts” in supporting the Libyan government’s democratic transition. “If we’re not there making efforts, we will certainly lose.” Asked by Senator Corker what her goals for the post are, Ambassador Jones indicated that her principle goal is to address the security and capacity vacuum experienced by the central government and that the approach must come from a number of arenas, including “getting civil society involved in supporting what they fought so hard to gain: democracy.” She added, “The Libyan people have more skin in this game than anyone.” In response to Senator Corker’s concern that militiamen would soon control cabinet posts, she expressed her determination to engage with anyone, including militiamen, who has “eschewed violence” and is committed to democratic transition. “All of these challenges are indicative of a people who want change. Authoritarian leaders do not develop civil societies, and we need to be prepared to step in and support civil society.”

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) echoed frustration that Libya’s democratic transition was “rough and incomplete” but expressed determination in supporting the democratic aspirations of the Libyan people. Referencing the Political Isolation Law that was passed by the Libyan parliament over the weekend, Senator McCain asked Ambassador Jones to assess what impact the law will have on the integrity of the Libyan government. She stated that she shared the senator’s view that “we owe Libyans our best in democratic transitions” and expressed her intent to address the new law with Libyan leaders in order to urge a rethinking of its application and conditions. “[I] hope I can influence that in terms of looking at the future of the country. I certainly believe the Libyan people fought too hard and want too badly a government of representation.” Charging that the administration has done very little to assist the Libyan government with security and military support since Qaddafi’s overthrow, Senator McCain urged Ambassador Jones to reach out to the administration in fulfilling her mission to assist Libya in becoming a functioning democracy.

Senator Menendez closed the hearing by stressing the importance of moving these nominations forward. “We can’t direct American assistance without an ambassador…[our] national interest and the ultimate outcome of Libya’s future can be helped, or we can allow it to be shaped…when American presence is absent.”

Photo Credit: Ismail Zitouny/Reuters

Libya’s parliament passed a law on Sunday that will ban a wide range of Gaddafi-era officials from positions in the new government, following demands from armed militias who surrounded government buildings in Tripoli last week. Following the vote, parliament spokesman Omar Hmaiden seemed unsure if the armed groups would leave: “We hope the siege of the ministries will stop now, but it is not in our hands,” he said. Al-Jazeera reports that “The decision to hold the vote under duress could embolden the armed groups to use force again to assert their will over parliament,” and The Associated Press said the vote is “likely to further stall the country’s already rocky transition to democracy by ousting elected lawmakers.” In a statement released a day before the vote, Human Rights Watch argued that Libya’s congress should vote down the measure because “the proposed law’s provisions and procedures for exclusion are too sweeping and vague.”

Writing for Al-Jazeera, Larbi Sadiki contends that democracy should be a priority over security in the Arab world. In Libya, Sadiki argues that “the absence of shared values and political rules of engagement aggravates security and prolongs the absence of the state as well is the incapacity of interim institutions to assume full authority.”

In an op-ed for The Washington Post, Charles Dunne, Stephen McInerney and Karim Mezran argue that the U.S. must reengage in Libya to help ensure a successful democratic transition. The authors describe many obstacles to Libya’s transition including major security concerns; state institutions that are “dilapidated, dysfunctional and strikingly weak;” and political problems including constitutional negotiations, attracting foreign investment, and job creation. In addition,  Libya’s transition is important to the international community because the U.S. has “important national security interests in North Africa” and “a successful transition in Libya would be a comforting and important model for democracies emerging elsewhere in the region.” Therefore, the authors argue, “The U.S. government should support broad reform efforts in the security and justice sectors,” and that “targeted funding for democracy and governance programs can… ensure the promotion of stability and the protection of human rights throughout the country.”

Photo Credit: Reuters

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing Tuesday on the  implications of the U.S. conducting targeted killings using drones. Yemeni democracy activist Farea al-Muslimi testified at the hearing, saying that the use of drone strikes in Yemen engenders resentment and mistrust of the U.S. among the Yemeni population. He said he strives to serve as an ambassador for the U.S. among the Yemeni people but U.S. targeted killings undermine his efforts. “I have to say that the drone strikes and the targeted killing program have made my passion and mission in support of America almost impossible in Yemen,” he stated. Al-Muslimi described a recent drone strike on his village. He also presented recommendations for changes in U.S. policy/behavior in Yemen that might shift Yemeni sentiment toward the U.S. in a more positive direction. His recommendations included stopping all targeted strikes, announcing the names of individuals on the “kill list,” issuing an official apology and compensating the families of innocent civilians killed in drone strikes, and building schools or hospitals in villages affected by drone strikes in order to give them a positive connection to the United States.

The Project on Middle East Democracy and the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East at the Atlantic Council submitted a written statement for the hearing. They asserted that the U.S.’s use of drones undermines our long-term interests in Yemen by engendering resentment of both the U.S. and Yemeni governments, creating “fertile ground for new recruits and sympathizers who might provide safe haven or direct support to AQAP and its local affiliate,” undermining the strength and stability of the Yemeni government, and “narrow[ing] the political space within which we can cooperate with and help strengthen the Yemeni government.” The organizations urged the Obama administration to develop a more transparent and robust framework for the use of drone strikes and to examine whether such strikes are “effective in achieving long-term US security objectives.”

Photo Credit: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

Congressmen Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL) introduced a resolution in Congress to prevent a takeover of the Palestinian Authority by Hamas and to promote responsible Palestinian leadership. The bill urges President Mahmoud Abbas to prevent a succession crisis by clarifying the existing succession plan and identifying figures committed to the peace negotiations with Israel, urges the Palestinian Authority and Abbas to implement reforms including fair elections and protections for the freedoms of speech, press, expression, and assembly. It also presses the Palestinian Authority to ensure that officials in both the current and future government are committed to the  Middle East Quartet principles, which require recognition of Israel, obedience to existing diplomatic agreements, and renunciation of violence.

Rep. Roskam, a co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus, said, “Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with any government that doesn’t acknowledge its fundamental right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state.” He added, “As someone who firmly believes that the only path to a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace is through direct negotiations, I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution that helps ensure that Israel has a viable partner with whom to negotiate.” Rep. Lipinski said, “If the Palestinian Authority is led by members of an extremist or terrorist organization it will be difficult, to say the least, to engage in the type of meaningful dialogue that will lead to a lasting peace for the region.”

Secretary of State John Kerry recently expressed concern about the progress of the peace process. He stated in testimony before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs that he feels the window for a two-state solution is closing, saying that he feels there may be only 12 – 18 months in which such a resolution is possible.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images

On Thursday, five Congressmen sent a letter to the House State and Foreign Operation Subcommittee on Appropriations requesting that it “include language to provide specific benchmarks and, moreover, an overall strategy for U.S. foreign aid to Egypt” in its FY14 appropriations bill. The requested language in the letter requires the Secretary of State to certify that five conditions have been satisfied before bilateral economic assistance funds would be made available for Egypt’s government. The conditions are that the Government of Egypt: does not restrict political economic, or religious freedoms and human rights; remains committed to free and fair elections without interfering or undermining their credibility; maintains the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty; counteracts smuggling, tunnels between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, and terrorism in the Sinai; and lifts restrictions on the work and funding of Egyptian and international NGOs. The proposed language would also dedicate at least $50 million to “democracy and governance programs for Egypt.” The letter was signed by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), Rep. John Carter (R-TX), Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC).

Meanwhile, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) conducted a review of Egypt’s draft NGO law and “identified a number of restrictions that will impede the work of civil society.” The center argues that the draft law “limits the purposes and activities of associations and foundations…may eliminate the legal basis for many human rights organizations,” and “significantly curtails the operations of foreign organizations in Egypt.” Foreign civil society organizations  would not be permitted to conduct activities without approval and those “that ’receive government funding, directly or indirectly,’ or promote ‘the policies of a political party’ are flatly prohibited from working in Egypt.” ICNL says the draft also restricts the ability of Egyptian civil society organizations “to receive or provide international funding.”

For full event notes continue reading or click here for the PDF.

In Senator Leahy’s opening statement, submitted for the record, he said that, “We do not want a Democratic foreign policy or a Republican foreign policy. We want an American foreign policy.” He described the major foreign policy challenges facing the U.S., noting that “Syria has become a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale few would have imagined, and the end does not appear to be in sight.” He added, “The revolution in Egypt, which held such promise, has taken a troubling turn and the economy is on life support.”  He concluded his opening statement by saying, “Countering foreign threats, building stable democracies, and reforming foreign economies cost money.  If we don’t do it others will, but not necessarily in ways that we would want.”

Secretary of State Kerry followed Senator Leahy with a prepared statement. He said, “I think so much of foreign policy today is economic policy, frankly, and we need to think about that more as we transition, as we think about this budget.” He pointed out that the “2014 budget request represents a 6 percent reduction from 2012 funding levels, and it’s also a reduction from 2013,” and stressed the importance of American engagement. In discussing the Middle East, Kerry said, “We have a phenomenon taking place which requires a greater response, frankly, than even we are now currently able to provide.” He noted “leaders [in the Middle East] are facing an enormous challenge with a huge burgeoning youth population, absence of jobs, increased radicalism. And we have to ask ourselves whether we are doing enough to respond to a growing pace of increase in extremism versus the adoption of rule of law and democratic process.” Kerry asserted that this “growing pace of extremism… is our challenge, I think, in this generation, and I personally believe there are ways that we can address it.” He told the subcommittee that if they were to talk with any of the Middle Eastern countries’ leaders, they would talk about their fears of radical extremism, religious exploitation, and ideological extremism. “We need an answer to it,” he said, adding, “I would say respectfully to everybody here the answer is not just drones and SEAL teams. We have to find some other way of addressing this longer-term effort.”

In discussing the Middle East and North Africa Incentive Fund (MENA IF), a $580 million request in the President’s budget, Kerry said its purpose is to “give reformers the tools and resources that they may begin to need in order to fight on behalf of these young people in the future.” He reminded the subcommittee that the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia were not Islamic revolutions, and that “we need to understand that as we go forward.”

Senator Leahy then began questioning Secretary Kerry by asking about China’s influence in Africa and the Chinese view on North Korea. The Senator then mentioned, “The Pentagon is considering weakening the Leahy Law,” and asked, “Does the State Department have a view on this?” Kerry stated that there was “no discussion in the State Department about moving away from or not adhering to the Leahy Law.” Senator Leahy then asked about U.S. contribution to UNESCO, pointing out that there are current laws that prevent contribution to UNESCO because of the PLO’s involvement. “What do we do about this?” he asked. Kerry answered, gesturing to all of the subcommittee’s members, “We hope that you will all join together and change the law.” Kerry stated, “The President has put money in the budget for UNESCO, based on the notion that we believe [these laws are] very, very self-defeating.”

Senator Barbra Mikulski (D-MD) then addressed Secretary Kerry and, referring to the budget, stated “We know we have a discrepancy with the House [of Representatives] and we hope to resolve that… we intend to move in a regular order here [in the Senate].” Mikulski then expressed her concern for embassy security and said, “We also have an issue of compensation for State department people who die at their duty station…we began [working on that issue] with Secretary Clinton, we’d like to continue with that.”  Kerry responded, “I think it’s terrific and we need to finish up on that.”

Senator Mike Johanns (R-NB) followed Senator Mikulski and discussed food aid. “I feel very strongly that this subcommittee should adopt a notion that when it comes to food aid, were just going to protect that. It’s not a lot of money,” he said. Johanns then criticized the food aid programs in the president’s budget, and both the Johanns and Kerry agreed to discuss the issue in the near future.

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) spoke about international adoptions and asked the Secretary why he thought the number of international adoptions was declining and if it should be the U.S.’s policy to allow the number to dwindle. Kerry responded by paying tribute to Senator Landrieu’s “incredible focus” on the issue. He then stated “I don’t know… why that number has dwindled the answer to your question directly is: no, it should not be our policy to allow it to dwindle.” He also mentioned working with Senator Landrieu to get an analysis of the problem.

Secretary Dan Coats (R-IN) asked the Secretary of State about the proposed MENA IF.  He asked Kerry to detail “the challenge of making sure that the funds coming out of State for economic support…. are getting in the right hands.” He added, “There is a lot of confusion about… who will use our values that we attach to this, in terms of democracy and using it for the right purposes.” Secretary Kerry responded, “The vision that I have and I think that President Obama has articulated previously, and has committed himself to… is a vision that tries to change the way we’re actually providing some of this aid, which is a process that has already begun.” He continued, “There are different challenges in different places,” pointing out that “Libya has a lot of funds… the challenge is providing technical assistance and government mentoring and helping to build out their legitimate security force.” Kerry then described Tunisia: “A small country [where] a little money would go a long way, and that would have a profound impact on stability.” Moving on to Egypt, which Kerry described as “a question mark right now,” he said, “ We’ve been working very, very hard with the Egyptian government to try to bring them to a point where they’re prepared to embrace important reforms that are key to the IMF money, to be more inclusive with the opposition, to build out civil society, to live up to their promises regarding democracy, and it’s a question mark whether they’re going to make the right choices.”

Secretary Kerry then discussed an idea for MENA IF that would put money into a public-private partnership “to provide jobs to people, which provides stability.” He added, “We don’t want to just hand money over to governments,” but noted “there may be an occasion when you have to, to some degree, as a matter of good faith, in order to be taken seriously in the overall initiative.”

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) then told Kerry “I can’t think of a better person suited to be Secretary of State during these times than you.” He brought up disability policy and food aid, agreeing with the food aid programs in the president’s budget. Secretary Kerry then commended Senator Harkin for the work he’s done advocating for the disabled. Senator Harkin brought up the Arctic, arguing that the U.S. should be more focused on the international relations in that region. Kerry responded by saying that he would be attending an Arctic Council meeting in May.

Following Harkin, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) spoke again, mentioning adoptions from Guatemala and Russia. She then asked Kerry about his efforts to help women and girls in Pakistan and around the world. Kerry responded, “we have a national agenda with respect to women and girls and we are going to pursue it completely.”

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) then asked Secretary Kerry why it was important for the U.S. to “stay in the game” with Egypt, referring to many measures in the House and Senate to cut American foreign aid.  Kerry answered, “If we just severed our ties, our great ally and friend Israel would be in jeopardy immediately.” He then stated that the Egyptian military was an “essential bulwark against extremism,” and added that the U.S. should be supporting the “generational revolution based on the aspirations of millions of young kids who want a future that they see the rest of the world having.” Kerry noted that there are possibilities for “vibrant political debate,” in Egypt’s future, and that “to cut aid… would be an insult to everything we have tried to work for.” Senator Graham then said, “I support what you’re doing,” and brought up U.S. aid to Jordan by saying that our money to the Jordanians is “indispensible to keep the king in power,” and rhetorically asked, “what would happen to region if somehow the king was taken down?” Graham then asked about U.S. investments in Africa, compared to Chinese investments, and Kerry stated, “Well, we’re not investing enough in Africa… to get proper return on our money”

Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) asked Secretary Kerry about the cost of the new diplomatic consulate in Iraq. Kerry only had the construction costs available at the time ($250 million), but said the consulate was “very important” to our relationships with the Kurds and Sunnis. In response to a question about cutting back in tight financial times, Kerry said “I want to fight back against the notion that we’ve got to be sitting around accepting even the concept of the sequester.” When Senator Begich specifically asked about the United States Institute of Peace, Kerry said, “They are doing very important conflict prevention, conflict resolution, conflict aftermath…” Begich responded, “If there is a value to the work you do, then that is what I need to know.” He later asked a question about the Arctic.

Senator Harkin then moved to close the hearing but first mentioned the issue of U.S. citizens being abducted and taken to Japan. Kerry succinctly responded by saying “I raised the issue directly with the Prime Minster while I was there a few days ago. He has submitted it to the Diet, and now the issue is ‘will they get it passed or not?’”

For full event notes, continue reading or click here for a PDF.

Representative Granger opened the hearing by noting that “the Arab Spring may last for a very long time…we must recognize that what happens in the Middle East and North Africa can and does impact us here at home.” She also emphasized the need for ensuring embassy security and requested an update on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the impact of “the recent changes in the Palestinian Authority.” Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) said, “Diplomacy and development are essential components of our national security strategy…these small investments greatly benefit our country.” She criticized basic education funding as being unacceptably low. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) cited the need to prioritize due to the Committee’s funding constraints, addressed embassy security, and noted the tough choices ahead.

Secretary of State John Kerry remarked that “we are still the indispensable nation and people all over the world look to us for leadership.” He quoted Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in saying that “America’s investment in foreign policy is ‘national security insurance.’” Kerry said that rapprochement between Israel and Turkey “came about because we were able to be there, be present, be involved with both nations in ways that serve…all of our interests.” He argued that the Department’s FY 2014 budget request was a six percent reduction from 2012 funding levels and reflected reforms and reductions “that deliver the maximum bang for the taxpayers’ dollar.” Kerry stated that U.S. assistance had reduced violence in Kenya and saved lives in Pakistan, India, and Lebanon.

Kerry said the Arab Spring was “young people in a generational revolution believing they want to share in what the rest of the world has,” and that the U.S. has to “deal with this emerging aspiration…To that end, this budget requests $580 million for the Middle East and North Africa Incentive Fund (MENA IF) so we can help give reformers the tools and resources they need to make the right decisions…this fund will allow us to say to people: ‘If you’re willing to take on these deep-rooted challenges, if you’re willing to believe in democracy, if you’re willing to go to the polls, you’re willing to invest in the process, we are going to stand with you and we’re going to help you.’” Kerry asserted that “development is not charity. It’s an investment.” He also noted that “we’ve requested $4.4 billion to fortify our worldwide security protection and to improve our overseas infrastructure.”

Granger asked Kerry to explain the security commitments he’d received from Egypt and to talk about its economy and whether Egypt will have protections and rights for all its citizens. Kerry said he can’t give “assurances about what this current administration is going to do because I think they are still sorting through that.” He added that before his trip to Egypt, the U.S. had not provided any of the $1 billion it pledged. Kerry stated, “You don’t buy your interests” but “if you’re not helpful to people in their time of need… it’s very, very difficult to have the kind of leverage to say a diverse, pluralistic politics is critical to us.” He called Egypt vital to U.S. interests and said that the Egyptian military was an important investment, because “God knows where Egypt would have been without the military frankly being wise, and being restrained, and responding to the relationships built.” Kerry noted that the military did what it promised to do by holding an election and retreating to the barracks. He expressed hope that President Morsi would fulfill commitments to have a pluralistic, diverse government that reflects the will of the people, but admitted that he had doubts. Kerry argued, “We’ve got to be at the table and we’ve got to be part of the effort to show all of the Egyptian people that we’re not just there for one administration…we’re there for the people of the country.” He asserted that the Arab awakening would go through several incarnations, and that if the U.S. is not engaged in it, it will go places the U.S. won’t like. Granger then asked about Mexico and poaching in Africa.

Lowey asked Kerry about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s resignation, the PA and the U.N., other Arab states normalizing relations with Israel, and the Palestinian economy. Kerry called the peace process “the greatest challenge” and that even Asian leaders raise the issue. He said the Gulf leaders are ready to move forward and want peace achieved because “the instability of the region doesn’t help anybody.  They want to focus on reforms in their countries, change – the things they need to do to meet modernity.” Kerry said that Abbas will go to the U.N. if there is no legitimate process going forward.  He reported that both sides were serious about making progress and that President Obama asked him to see what is possible to do. Kerry spoke of the plans to improve the Palestinian economy, and said he wished Fayyad was not resigning.

Rogers asked about the vacant Deputy Secretary positions for Management and Legislation and the spend plan and justification for the recently passed continuing resolution. Kerry said that many of the Department’s vacancies should be filled soon as candidates were going through the vetting process and promised to provide the spend plan and justification as soon as possible.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) asked what the administration and international community is prepared to do if President Assad is confirmed to have used chemical weapons. Kerry declined to offer details but said it would be a game-changer and that President Obama has directed for all contingencies to be planned for and considered. Schiff also asked how the cycle with North Korea could be changed.

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) urged Kerry to assign a new Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan. Citing threats to religious minorities in Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and Syria, Wolf asked Kerry to consider appointing a Special Envoy to advocate for religious minorities in the Middle East. Kerry said, “I will absolutely consider it. I want to find the best way to deal with this challenge…it is really a question of whether or not moderates in that region are going to be able to speak out, and speak for what is the real Islam, rather than the Islam that gets hijacked by people and taken to the extremes.”

Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) asked about ensuring that Fayyad’s successor will also fight corruption and encourage transparency, and how the U.S. is helping Jordan with Syrian refugees. Kerry said that he will express to President Abbas that Fayyad’s replacement needs to be someone the U.S. can have confidence in and trust and commended King Abdullah for being constructive in many ways.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) asked Kerry to touch on MENA IF, noting that in 2012, he had called it “a no brainer.” She conceded that the State Department needed flexibility but said it needed to be balanced with oversight and asked what could be expected from the fund going forward. Kerry responded, “I think MENA [IF] goes to the heart of how we’re going to be engaged or not engaged with this awakening that’s taking place…the reason we need to be engaged is that to some degree, the message of extremism is moving faster in some places than the message of democracy, and freedom, and rule of law, and opportunity, and so forth. So we have to decide…We’ve got to find an alternative to SEAL teams and drones and military expeditions…We have to decide what’s important to us now, and how do we do a better job responding to this challenge of increasing radicalism, extremism, terror, lack of choice, that is crowding out what we believe in and what we have fought so hard for so long in so many places…MENA [IF] is a tiny down payment…on a concept that we can actually help people to make a better set of choices and to provide alternatives of governance and capacity building so that those countries move in a different direction.” Wasserman Schultz also asked if Kerry would continue Secretary Hillary Clinton’s efforts in the area of women and girls, and about the situation in Venezuela.

Rep. Charles Dent (R-PA) asked about Israel and Turkey’s next step and, based on Kerry’s comments about engaging in Egypt, how the U.S. can expect to have influence in Syria when in many ways it hasn’t been there. Kerry said Israel and Turkey will agree on compensation packages and exchange ambassadors. He noted that the U.S. has been thanked for what it has done in Syria, but some groups feel it’s not doing enough and have concerns. Kerry added that the U.S. is doing “more than meets the eye.” Dent asked if the budget request including funds for UNESCO suggested a change in policy. Kerry said that the Obama administration thinks that choosing not to fund particular parts of the U.N. is self-defeating because then the U.S. cannot protect Israel and argue for its interests there and that “we can do better by sitting at the table and fighting.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) asked about PEPFAR and the Office of Global Health Diplomacy, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) asked about Mexico, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) asked about Venezuela’s election and the death of pro-democracy activist in Cuba, and Rep. Kevin Yoder (D-KS) asked about North Korea.

For full event notes, continue reading or click here for a PDF.

Chairman Ed Royce opened the hearing by saying that “wasteful spending is intolerable” and “we can’t do everything.” He also called it “inexcusable” that the State Department has been operating for over four years without an Inspector General. He cited Iran, North Korea, and Syria as the major threats facing the U.S. He also expressed frustration that the committee had not received full cooperation from the State Department in its efforts to investigate the attacks on the embassy in Benghazi.

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the committee, also called Iran, North Korea, and Syria the most prominent threats facing the U.S. He expressed a desire to see higher funding for diplomats than what was contained in the budget request, saying, “We spend just over one percent of our national budget on diplomacy and development – which are key components of America’s national security strategy. Diplomats and aid workers strengthen alliances and prevent wars, while telling America’s story – and they do it on the cheap.” He called Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon the foremost threat facing America today and urged the administration to increase pressure on Iran. He also expressed pleasure that the budget included funds for humanitarian aid to Syria but called for the administration to do more to support the people of Syria. He stated that Israel has expressed willingness to negotiate with the Palestinians without preconditions but the Palestinians have refused this offer.

In his opening statement, Secretary of State John Kerry asserted the need for investing in foreign policy, saying, “If we can make the small, smart investments up front, then I believe we avoid more costly conflicts and greater burdens down the road.” He claimed that the United States is the “guardian of international security.” Kerry claimed that this budget request’s 6% reduction from FY 2012 is “responsive to and reflective of our national economic reality.” He discussed the Middle East and North Africa Incentive Fund (MENA IF), which will “give reformers the tools and resources they need to make the right decisions on behalf of their citizens” and “allows us to say to people in the region: ‘If you’re willing to take on the deep-rooted challenges of democracy and throw off the yolk of dictatorship, we’re here for you.’” He also noted the importance of engaging through trade and other economic opportunities. Kerry then discussed the State Department’s development work, calling it “one of our strongest assets.” He said, “Development is not charity. It’s an investment. And I believe it’s an investment and President Obama believes it’s an investment in a strong world and a strong America.” He also noted the budget’s inclusion of funds to take care of personnel.

Congressman Royce again noted his frustration over the committee’s lack of information on the Benghazi attacks and the absence of a permanent Inspector General at the State Department. Kerry stated that the department is still in the vetting process for an Inspector General. He also noted a number of documents, videos, and testimonies related to Benghazi and stated that he would work with the committee if it felt it had not received adequate information.

Congressman Engel asked for Kerry’s assessment of the peace process and about U.S. support for Israel’s efforts at negotiation. He also asked when the administration will say, “Enough is enough,” regarding Iran’s nuclear program, and whether the U.S. will have any real influence in a post-Assad Syria if it does not provide the opposition with weapons. Kerry stated that the U.S. must be careful not to make things worse in Syria and must be forging a constructive path forward. He said he is committed to the peace process because he feels the window for a two-state solution will close within 12-18 months. He then stated that the State Department is in close communication with Israel regarding the timeline of Iran’s enrichment and that the President has made it clear Iran will not get a nuclear weapon.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) asked why the administration is using money to entice the Palestinian Authority (PA) to negotiations, what specific benchmarks will be used to ensure greater accountability and transparency in MENA IF, and who will be implementing these measures. He also stated that “there’s no way any of that money is going to Hamas,” asserting that there is no relationship between the PA and Hamas and that a reconciliation will occur anytime soon. He stated that not strengthening the PA would work against the U.S.’s own interests.

Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) asked Kerry about several human rights issues, including the abduction and forced marriage of Coptic Christian women and girls in Egypt. Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) also expressed concern about the treatment of Coptic Christians in Egypt and asked whether Kerry anticipated any cuts in aid to Israel this year. Kerry responded that he continues to raise these issues at the highest level and will continue to work on them. He said he was very concerned about safety and security in Egypt. He also said that in order for the Muslim Brotherhood to gain more partners, it must demonstrate that it is ready to protect rights and be more inclusive.

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) asked when the U.S. would cut off aid to Pakistan since the country continues to imprison the doctor who helped the U.S. find Osama Bin Laden. Kerry stated that “cutting off aid to Pakistan would not be a good move…at this time.” He added, “It’s not as simple as holding everything accountable to one thing.”

Congressman Gerald Connolly (D-VA) expressed concern that USAID had become a primarily contracting and managerial agency. He asked whether we should be rebuilding AID to be the premier development agency. Kerry responded that AID is our premier development agency and stated that it does extraordinary work and has implemented a number of reforms.

Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) inquired about trade and Kerry emphasized that foreign policy is in many ways economic policy. He referenced a “modern day Marshall Plan” that would involve the private sector and noted a possible new model of international engagement that would leverage development and create jobs in order to create stability.

Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) asked that Kerry continue to urge the EU to designate Hezbollah a terrorist organization and press Abbas on negotiations if the window for a two-state solution is closing. Kerry asserted that he has urged the labeling of Hezbollah as a terrorist group in all his European meetings. Kerry also stated that the hurdle of mistrust is huge on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that Abbas is not convinced that Israel will give the Palestinians a state, and the Israelis are not convinced that the Palestinians will provide them with the security they feel they need. Kerry said that progress will require finding a way to dispel mistrust.

Congressman William Keating (D-MA) asked for a comment on the State Department’s efforts to advance gender equality and decrease gender-based violence around the world. He also asked whether standards related to this kind of violence could serve as conditions on aid in the future. Kerry stated a desire to expand on Secretary Clinton’s efforts on the issue of gender-based violence but said that he does not feel that conditionality is effective in all countries.

Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) inquired about the State Department’s efforts to ensure that pledges to assist the Syrian people are being fulfilled, whether the U.S. is considering closing the Syrian Embassy in Washington, and what efforts are being made to protect Syrian women and girls from sexual violence in refugee camps. Kerry stated that the situation in Syria is reaching the level of a humanitarian crisis. He added that our best bet for preventing an implosion is to implement the Geneva Communique.

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) expressed concern that the U.S. appears to be “leading from behind.” He said he was concerned about the U.S. not leaving behind a force in Iraq and asked whether the U.S. was in a position to leave behind a strong Afghan military when it withdraws. Kerry responded that he did not believe America is leading from behind. He stated that Obama’s decision not to put boots on the ground in Libya does not constitute leading from behind and that current meetings on Syria showed American leadership. He also said he was encouraged by the progress of the Afghan army.

Congressman Bradley Schneider (D-IL) asked if there is a way to bring Abbas to negotiations with Israel. Kerry said that Abbas may be convinced by a good faith effort if Israel follows through.

Congressman Tom Cotton (R-AR) asked Kerry for his position on arming the Syrian rebels. Kerry said U.S. policy is currently not to provide lethal aid but that we are coordinating with entities that are providing such assistance. He also said that the meeting in Istanbul this week will examine the situation on the ground and determine what accelerants to Assad’s departure are most sensible.

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL) asked whether the State Department works closely with the United States Institute of Peace. He also inquired whether Kerry agrees with former Secretary Clinton’s assertion that the State Department should rely on best value contracting rather than seeking the lowest possible bid. Kerry responded that the State Department does work with USIP and agreed to the statement on best value contracting, saying, “We’ve got to have the ability to make value judgments in the provision of security to our personnel.”

Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) asked about rebalancing aid to Egypt to include greater economic and political aid in addition to existing military assistance. Kerry said, “One of the best investments we made in Egypt over the last thirty years is the Egyptian military and our relationship with it.” He praised the restraint and leadership of the Egyptian military during the country’s revolution and political transition, citing its actions as a factor in preventing deterioration into civil war. He also said, “I’d love to make a larger economic effort…but unless there’s economic reform in Egypt, unless they can meet the IMF standards, unless they reach out to the opposition and bring them more into the governance, unless they create stability and a capacity to invite capital back from other countries with the sense of security they’ve created…giving more money would actually be not to good avail.”

Congressman Brian Higgins (D-NY) asked about the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the question of responsibility of a host community or a represented country for the security of diplomatic personnel. Kerry expressed caution regarding a change in the convention’s fundamental principle, saying that in most countries the U.S. can rely on the host community for protection.

Congressmen Rohrabacher, Michael McCaul (R-TX), Ted Poe (R-TX), Matt Salmon (R-AZ), Mo Brooks (R-AL), and Randy Weber (R-TX) also asked questions related to Benghazi.

Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) questioned Kerry about several issues related to Asia, and Congresspersons Royce, Wilson, Poe, Cicilline, and Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) asked about North Korea. Kerry stated that the U.S. does not want to go down the same path as previous policy. He also asserted that China is the country in the best position to engage with North Korea.

Congresspersons Ros-Lehtinen, Rohrabacher, and Weber asked about Camp Liberty in Iraq, and Weber also asked about Camp Ashraf. Ros-Lehtinen also mentioned the election issues in Venezuela. Kerry said the department will have serious questions if significant irregularities appear in the election process.

Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) addressed Russia and Turkey, Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) brought up U.S. involvement in Africa, and Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) asked about the progress of negotiations on the bilateral security agreement in Afghanistan.

Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) asked about the inclusion of Saudi Arabia and exclusion of Yemen in the Global Entry Program and Congressmen Alan Grayson (D-FL) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) asked about the visa waiver program. Sherman also brought up Pakistan and asked about sanctions on companies connected to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and reducing Chinese purchase of Iranian oil.

Kerry agreed with Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA) that Congress must return to regularly passing appropriations bills, saying that failure to pass appropriations legislation diminishes the U.S.’s leverage.

Photo Credit: AP/J. Scott Applewhite

President Barack Obama released his FY2014 budget request on Wednesday and he is requesting $47.8 billion for the State Department and international programs, a six percent decrease from the actual funds that will be appropriated through FY2013. The decrease is due to a significant reduction in money requested for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The President’s budget requests funding for “The Middle East and North Africa Incentive Fund,” which will “provide assistance to countries undergoing transitions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.” The fund will also “provide incentives for long-term political and economic reform, and may supplement contingency funds as needed to respond to emerging opportunities and crises in the region. The MENA Incentive Fund may provide assistance bilaterally, regionally, or through contributions to multilateral initiatives with other donors, to promote effective, democratic governance, vibrant civil societies, and inclusive, market-based economic growth in transitioning MENA countries.” 

The President requested $580 million for the fund, which will remain available to “promote regional peace and security, political and economic reform, and stability in the Middle East and North Africa,” including funding for direct and guaranteed loans in the region over the next five years. Last year, the State Department requested $770 million to create the same fund but Congress did not appropriate any of the requested money.

The President’s FY2014 budget also requests a $5 million contribution to the Deauville Partnership Transition Fund, “a new multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank” that is designed “to assist members of the Deauville Partnership with Arab Countries in Transition (currently Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco, Libya, and Yemen) as they address their diverse economic challenges during their political transitions.” The fund has already received donations or commitments from the U.K., Saudi Arabia, Canada, France, Japan, Russia, Kuwait, and Qatar. The budget request said “the fund will help promote a broad reform agenda and support inclusive development.”

President Obama’s budget now joins two competing proposals, one passed by the House and the other by the Senate, but the Associated Press reports, “It is unlikely that Congress will get down to serious budget negotiations until this summer.”