Author Description

Statement of Jacquelyn L. Williams-Bridgers, Mng. Dir., International Affairs and Trade, GAO, discussing the report GAO has released on U.S. efforts to address terrorist safe havens, which provide security for terrorists, allowing them to train recruits and plan operations. Various terrorist incidents demonstrate the dangers emanating from terrorist safe havens, such as the Nov. 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India, planned, in part, from safe havens in Pakistan, and the attempted airliner bombing on Dec. 25, 2009, planned from safe havens in Yemen. The discovery of Osama Bin Laden in a compound in Pakistan, from which, according to U.S. officials, he played an active role in al Qaeda focused on attacking the U.S, makes this hearing particularly timely. This testimony focuses on (1) U.S. national strategies related to addressing terrorist safe havens, (2) terrorist safe havens identified by the Dept. of State and the threats emanating from these havens, and (3) the extent to which the U.S. government has identified efforts to deny terrorists safe havens. Figures. This is a print on demand report.