Chairman Ros-Lehtinen on the hearing: “The surprise resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the consolidation of power by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has raised a number of questions about the direction of Saudi efforts to roll back Iranian influence in the region. Putting a stop to Iran’s disastrous encroachment everywhere from Lebanon to Yemen is a critical U.S. national security priority but it must be done in a strategic manner that does not endanger the interests of the United States or our allies. This hearing will allow Members to examine the latest developments in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia and assess how the U.S. can work with our allies in the region to counter Iran, promote stability, and secure U.S. interests.”

Witnesses

The Honorable Elliott Abrams
Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies
Council on Foreign Relations
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]

Paul Salem, Ph.D.
Vice President for Policy Analysis, Research, and Programs
Middle East Institute
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]

Tamara Cofman Wittes, Ph.D.
Senior Fellow
Center for Middle East Policy
The Brookings Institution
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]

____________________________

Hearing transcript (PDF)