MEDIA ADVISORY

WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs will continue its extensive oversight of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan by conducting a hearing to investigate the complex web of terrorists, insurgents, jihadis, and extremists operating in this region in order to explore the nature of the threats posed to U.S. national security interests.

This hearing will feature top independent experts with extensive experience on-the-ground in Afghanistan and Pakistan who will testify in open and unclassified session relying on public sources. This hearing is designed to build a foundation of knowledge concerning the problems faced by the U.S. in Afghanistan and Pakistan so that, in subsequent hearings, the Subcommittee can explore the most effective solutions.

WITNESS LIST:

Mr. Peter Bergen, Schwartz Senior Fellow at New America Foundation and author of The Osama bin Laden I Know: An Oral History of Al Qaeda’s Leader (2006) as well as Holy War, Inc.: Inside the Secret World of Osama bin Laden (2001);

Mr. Joshua T. White, Research Fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement and Ph.D. Candidate at Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies; and

Paul R. Pillar, Ph.D., Visiting Professor and Director of Studies, Security Studies Program at Georgetown University, and former National Intelligence Officer for the Near East and South Asia.

WHERE: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building

WHEN: 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2009

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