Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the attempt to blow up a U.S. airliner on Christmas Day has shined a spotlight squarely, if belatedly, on Yemen. I cannot overstate the importance of denying al-Qaida safe havens in Yemen and countries like it, an issue on which I have been working for years. The threat from al-Qaida in Yemen, as well as the broader region, is increasing, and our attention to this part of the world is long overdue. That is why I welcome the President's increased focus on Yemen. But we need to remember, as we focus needed resources and attention on Yemen, that it shouldn't be seen as the new Afghanistan, or the new Iraq. Instead, Yemen highlights the importance of a comprehensive, global counterterrorism strategy that takes into account security sector reform, human rights, economic development, transparency, good governance, accountability, and the rule of law. We must seize the opportunity to focus attention on the strategy and policies we need to deny al-Qaida safe havens around the world, including in Yemen. Concurrently, we need to examine our policy in Yemen and better understand how we can develop a partnership that is both in our national security interest and helps Yemen to move towards becoming a more stable, secure nation for its people. The recognition at the recent high-level international meeting on Yemen in London of the importance of addressing broader economic, social and political factors in Yemen is thus very welcome.…”