Russ Feingold

The recent spike in piracy is an outgrowth of the state collapse and lawlessness and economic desperation that have plagued that country for well over a decade.

I underscore that our overall policy efforts are aimed at promoting political reconciliation in Somalia, political stability in that country.

In terms of the piracy off Somalia's coast, you said previously that naval operations might help, but they cannot possibly stop this piracy when the risks are so low, the rewards so high, and alternatives, in your words, so bleak in…

But in order to truly understand and address the piracy problem we need to know what's behind it.

I'm very concerned that the fledgling transitional government is losing support, as well as losing ground with this recent fighting.

I'm also very concerned by these reports that al-Shabaab and its allied militias are gaining momentum and territory, including strategic towns in central Somalia.

We are very fortunate to have the experienced leadership of Ambassador Johnnie Carson.

the bill did impose restrictions on assistance to the Government of Zimbabwe until there was a peaceful democratic change.

I look forward to hearing the results of your review.

the pirates do not live in the water; they live on the land.

I want to thank the panel very much. I particularly want to thank my colleagues for their diligence on this and other issues relating to Africa.

My sense is that well-timed statements and phone calls and engagement from senior government officials, be it the President, Secretary of State, or even Members of Congress, could help bolster ongoing United States efforts in Somalia.

Oxfam is extremely grateful for the work this committee has done, in particular you, Senator Feingold, in drawing attention to the humanitarian situation affecting almost half of the country.

to have an accurate picture, this is the man who was the head of the Islamic Courts, which we identified as being obviously a problematic entity, who has now taken on the task of trying to unify the various elements within Somalia at…

This hearing has been convened at a moment when Somalia is undergoing yet another dramatic political crisis.

Last month the problem of piracy off Somalia's coast hit home for a lot of Americans with the attack on the Maersk Alabama and the capture of Capt. Richard Phillips after his courageous actions to ensure the safety of his crew.

The last time this committee met to discuss the Middle East peace process, in September of last year, I expressed regret that the previous administration did not engage on this issue earlier.

I think that's what President Obama said a short time ago is absolutely right, we will want to see, after that, gestures and actions consistent with the two-state solution.

here in Congress there's been a lot of discussion recently about how--and whether--the United States should engage with and provide aid to any possible Palestinian unity government.

achieving resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential to the security of not just the two parties, but the region as a whole.

the Obama administration must expand its role in addressing this regional dimension

This issue of sexual violence is completely out of control and it's on your watch.

I do not want to undercut how important it is that we have something like MONUC in order to provide us the ability to simply get in there and try to do the kinds of things Senator Boxer's particularly talking about.

Unless you do this, we're pulling the plug.

I think first and foremost, the power is at the level of political power, and that's what really is critical in terms of the ultimate outcomes.