WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-07) today issued the following statement regarding thecontinued attacks on U.S. diplomatic posts across the Middle East and North Africa:

“I am deeply concerned by the continued attacks on U.S. diplomatic posts across the Middle East and North Africa this week and mourn the loss of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans in Libya.  It is also shocking to me that on the very day the American people were mourning the attacks of September 11^th, the U.S. Embassy walls were breached and the American flag was replaced with an al Qaeda-style banner.

“In April 2011, I held a hearing that examined the counterterrorism ramifications of the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ on United States counterterrorism and intelligence efforts in the Middle East and North Africa.  Many of the concerns expressed at our hearing focused on al Qaeda’s ability to take advantage of a permissive operating environment.  It is apparent that al Qaeda is adapting and continuing to present a major national security threat to the United States.

“After travelling to Israel, Jordan, and Turkey earlier this year, it is clear the Middle East is undergoing its most dramatic transition since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.  Support for our allies in the region—especially Israel—is critical to preserving peace and stability in the region. 

  “As Chairman of the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee, my subcommittee will be examining this evolving situation in the Middle East and North Africa and the threats posed to the U.S. homeland and to our interests abroad.”

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