Statement of Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee Chairman Adam Smith

“Today, the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee will meet to discuss the challenges and implications of counterterrorism as it relates to General McChrystal’s initial assessment of the situation in Afghanistan and President Obama’s upcoming decision on a new war strategy.  This is an important discussion, and I want to thank our witnesses for attending and lending their expert opinions. We welcome you and your thoughts and any recommendations you may have. 

“Any change in strategy on the ground in Afghanistan will have a direct impact on U.S. Special Operations priorities and tactics and how they execute their counterterrorism and counterinsurgency missions. As a result, it is the responsibility of this subcommittee to explore and analyze the implications of any change in strategy and recommend thoughtful policy adjustments.  

“There are a number of strategy alternatives currently being debated by the Administration and today we would be particularly interested in hearing your opinions regarding the value or drawback of adding additional troops to the region.  General McChrystal’s assessment also advises conducting a population-centric counter-insurgency. 

“It would seem to me that focusing our efforts to win the support of the population by changing the operational culture of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and by undertaking efforts to improve Afghan security forces and Afghan governance at all levels is the right approach.  In fact, Admiral Olson, Commander Special Operations Command, testified before this subcommittee earlier this year in favor of a ‘populace-centric approach in lieu of a threat-centric approach to national security challenges.’  I’m eager to hear your thoughts. 

            “Over the last few days, Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s accepted a runoff election and the Pakistani military launched a ground assault into the Taliban stronghold along its border with Afghanistan.  It would be interesting to hear your opinions on how these events might impact the debate over the strategy. 

            “Let me conclude my opening remarks by emphasizing the strategic importance of achieving success in Afghanistan and its border region with Pakistan. This region poses the most significant threats to U.S. national security. There is no other region in the world better suited to giving al-Qaida a safe haven from which to plan attacks on the Western world and we must not demonstrate a lack of commitment to our efforts to eliminate this threat.  Again, I thank the witnesses and look forward to an illuminating conversation on how we can more effectively tackle this critical challenge.”