Ed Royce: “recently the subcommittee on international terrorism and nonproliferation that I chair held a hearing on the growing…”

“recently the subcommittee on international terrorism and nonproliferation that I chair held a hearing on the growing Islamist terrorist threat in Somalia. The country's unsecured borders and proximity to the Arabian Peninsula provide a potential transit point and safe haven for terrorists there. Especially worrying is the powerful presence of the Union of Islamic Courts, which took over Mogadishu last month. This group is headed by a known associate of al Qaeda and aims to introduce Sharia law throughout Somalia. Mr. Speaker, we are living in an age in which threats in faraway places can hit us at home. The events unfolding in Somalia mark a critical point in our struggle against Islamist terrorism. Afghanistan is the lesson. I remember those on Afghanistan that said that the Taliban offered stability in that country because the country was deeply divided. I remember testifying that the Taliban and their support for terror training could lead to more World Trade Center-style attacks on America. That was 11 years ago. Now Somalia demands our focused attention. ____________________”