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Hearing on Pending Ambassadorial Nominations for Bahrain and the UAE U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Wednesday, September 10, 2014 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC

On Wednesday, September 10, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hosted a hearing on the pending ambassadorial nominations of Mr. William Roebuck for U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain (testimony), Ms. Judith Cefkin for U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Fiji (testimony), Ms. Barbara Leaf for U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (testimony), and Ms. Pamela Spratlen for U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan (testimony). Senator Tim Kaine presided and Senators James Risch, Marco Rubio, and John McCain also attended.

William Roebuck's testimony opened with an overview of his extensive resume in the Middle East, with assignments in Jerusalem, Gaza, Damascus, Baghdad, and Tripoli. He cited experience in fostering political dialogue, providing support for elections, countering the threats of violent extremism, promoting and protecting human rights and encouraging regional security efforts between neighbors. If confirmed, Roebuck promised a commitment to maintaining the U.S. partnership with Bahrain, but also to supporting the King’s efforts to bring about reform and political dialogue in the country, which he sees as inextricably linked to Bahrain and the United States’ long-term security interests.

Questions from the Committee primarily were concerned with Bahrain's recent behavior regarding its relationship with the U.S. and its commitment to human rights and reform. Senator Kaine told the hearing that he was distressed to hear that Bahraini human rights activist, Maryam al-Khawaja, had been arrested and imprisoned upon arriving in the country. Roebuck said that the State Department was concerned and had raised the case both publically and privately with the Bahrainis, emphasizing al-Khawaja's right to expeditious judicial proceedings and access to her attorney.

Kaine also expressed concern over Bahrain expelling senior U.S. diplomat Tom Malinowski for meeting with opposition leaders. Roebuck stated that the State Department made it clear to Bahrain that their actions were unnecessary and unhelpful, and that Bahrain understood this position. He also reaffirmed U.S. continued support for political reforms in Bahrain and inclusive elections, but expects that Bahrain cooperate further. On the same topic, Senator Risch was interested in why Bahrain reacted the way it did—in expelling Malinowski from the country for meeting with opposition leaders without a Bahraini government official present. Roebuck replied that the State Department knew Malinowski was meeting with opposition leaders, but that such meetings were ordinary. He speculated that the reaction was likely due to a tense atmosphere caused by dialogue between opposition and government leaders. Roebuck, however, was confident that they would be able to work out a time for Malinowski to return to Bahrain. Senator Rubio further inquired of Mr. Roebuck whether or not he planned on complying with the Bahraini's imposed stipulation that a government official must be present at all foreign meetings with the opposition. Roebuck replied that the Bahrainis understand the U.S.’ position that such a rule was unacceptable.

Senator Rubio continued a line of questioning on the topic of human rights and reform in Bahrain. He stated his belief that human rights are and should be at the heart of U.S. foreign policy, and that when he met with Bahrainis previously he was alarmed to hear that they genuinely felt they didn't have a voice. Rubio then posed two questions to Roebuck: first whether Roebuck had seen breakdowns in the reform process and second, how Roebuck planned on balancing U.S. geopolitical interests in Bahrain with human rights interests. Roebuck responded that he believed human rights would only serve to advance U.S. long term interests and that one of his main goals as Ambassador would be to foster a substantive reconciliation process. Rubio then suggested the country may be becoming “a long-term powder keg,” where the United States may be “seen to be looking the other way on repression.”

Senator McCain, as well as several of the other Senators present, expressed concern over prospects of Iranian influence in Bahrain. Mr. Roebuck responded that he is committed to maintaining the U.S. geopolitical influence in Bahrain. Further, he said that the U.S. is aware of Iranian attempts to influence and take advantage of unrest. He assured the Committee that Bahrain and the U.S. are acting proactively on the matter, and reaffirmed that the reform process in Bahrain is the best way to avoid unrest.

The hearing also included testimonies from the three other nominees, including Ms. Leaf’s on her nomination as U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Leaf's testimony opened with remarks on UAE's success as a nation and recognition for their cooperation and partnerships with the United States on numerous international priorities. Among these commitments, she highlighted the UAE's $7 billion contribution to Egypt's recovery and economic stability fund, shared interests in a stable, democratic Libya, and their commitment towards building a society fully inclusive of women. If confirmed, Leaf promised to advocate for increased economic partnerships between the U.S. and the UAE.

Ms. Leaf attracted questions from Senators, particularly Senator McCain, regarding her opinions of Iran and Qatar's relationship with the UAE. McCain went further and asked Leaf to clarify her understanding of the UAE and Egypt’s' potential airstrikes in Libya and whether or not the State Department was informed of this beforehand. Leaf responded that she could not speak on the matter in a public setting. Senator Kaine later rephrased the question, and Leaf replied that she can reaffirm that the UAE's interests in Libya align with those of the United States.