“We are in a pivotal time in the Middle East. We’ve entered into a new era where Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain and others are trying to make a difference in the region,” addressing the 8th IISS Regional Security Summit, the Manama Dialogue 2012 titled the US and the Region, he said.
“Lots of changes are underway. The Arab Spring ushered in new governments in Egypt and Libya.
“Syria’s civil conflict has transformed into a full out war. Iran is flexing its muscles and trying to derail the region. The Obama Administration recently announced a strategic pivot to Asia. We all read about it in the paper.
“But I am here to say we will NOT pack up and leave the region. We are committed to the Persian Gulf. We have a history of long term, strategic partnership with the countries of the region and that will continue. We are committed to working with our partners in the Gulf.
“I am the Ranking Member on the House Intelligence Committee in the United States. Our Committee is committed to providing our intelligence professionals the resources, capabilities and authorities they need to keep America and the world safe. But we must do this together.
“Our common ground is the fight against terrorism. Terrorists all across the world are trying to take advantage of this period of change in the Gulf and explode it to kill and scare people. This affects security not just for America, but for the world. Members of Congress know it is critical that the United States work with our partner nations across the globe to keep the world safe.
“Egypt’s new government is finding its way in the world. For decades, Egypt has been a staunch ally of the United States. We need it to stay that way.
“The newly elected President, Mohammed Morsi, was instrumental in brokering a recent peace deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians. It was a telling moment. But at the same time he has been criticized for a Constitutional power grab. Every year, Congress invests billions in aid to Egypt.
“We want to make sure that Egypt continues to be a good partner in helping us battle terrorism around the globe.
“Then there is Syria, where a civil war has escalated almost out of control. Syrian leader Assad has murdered thousands of his own people. Published reports say Syria is preparing chemical weapons.
“Assad must not use them on his own people. President Obama has warned Assad that using them on his people will force America to act.
“The press reported that Russia was able to calm down the situation a few months ago. I hope Russia can do it again.
“The Intelligence Community is worried that Al-Qaeda is trying to infiltrate these opposition groups in Syria, especially the Nusrah Front, a group affiliated with the terrorist network.
“And then you have Iran. Iran is getting even bolder and more belligerent as these changes affect the region.
“There are indications it may be trying to gain a nuclear capability. And add to that, Iran is exporting terrorism and using Hezbollah as its proxy. To topple these and other threats, the United States must work hand in hand with Gulf nations for the good of the world.
“We need the Gulf States to be strategic, long term partners in the region,” he added.