战略与国际研究中心-The-Future-of-US-Counterterrorism-Strategy--A-Conversation-with-Representatives-Abigail-Spanberger---Michael-Waltz_16页_430kb

U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy: A Summary of the Conversation with Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Rep. Michael Waltz

Core Content

The conversation between Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Michael Waltz (R-FL), facilitated by CSIS expert Seth G. Jones, focused on the U.S. counterterrorism strategy, particularly in relation to Iran, Yemen, and the broader Middle East. Both lawmakers emphasized the need for a coherent, long-term strategy that balances military and diplomatic efforts while maintaining strong alliances and upholding American values.

Main Points and Key Information

1. Iran as a Threat

• Rep. Waltz views Iran as a state-sponsored threat, with its Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and Quds Force actively supporting terrorist groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.
• He believes the maximum pressure campaign under the Trump administration is effective, evidenced by the decline in Iranian oil exports and domestic unrest in Iran.
• He argues that the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) was flawed, as it allowed Iran to maintain a missile program and nuclear enrichment without sufficient oversight.
• He stresses that the U.S. should not be too focused on just one part of Iran's nuclear program and should instead demand a comprehensive deal that includes missile technology, nuclear capabilities, and support for terrorism.

2. Rep. Spanberger's Perspective on Iran

• She agrees that Iran is a malign actor and a threat to both U.S. and regional security.
• She expresses concern over the inconsistency and lack of strategy in U.S. policy toward Iran, particularly after walking away from the nuclear deal.
• She questions the chaotic nature of the administration's approach and highlights the importance of diplomatic engagement and alliance-building.
• She also notes that the U.S. should not abandon allies like Saudi Arabia, even while addressing concerns about their actions (e.g., the Khashoggi murder), and that Congress should assert its constitutional role in approving arms sales.

3. Yemen: A Proxy War and Humanitarian Crisis

• Yemen is described as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with Hezbollah and the Houthis receiving support from Iran.
• Rep. Spanberger emphasizes the humanitarian crisis, including widespread child starvation, and the need for a strategic discussion on U.S. involvement.
• She supports questioning the sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia, not as a blanket rejection, but as a way to confront bad behavior while maintaining a strategic partnership.
• Rep. Waltz adds that precision-guided munitions are critical to reducing civilian casualties, even though they are controversial.

4. Broader Counterterrorism Strategy

• Both lawmakers agree that counterterrorism is a long-term challenge, not a short-term issue.
• Rep. Waltz highlights the importance of maintaining military and intelligence capabilities in counterterrorism, such as special operations and language skills, which are often undervalued in favor of conventional military power.
• He suggests a broader strategy to counter violent extremism, drawing parallels to the Cold War strategy against communism.
• Rep. Spanberger supports the idea of countering the ideology of extremism, noting that women's empowerment and education play a key role in preventing radicalization.

5. Diplomatic and Strategic Engagement

• Both agree that Congress should have a role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and that civil discourse is essential.
• Rep. Waltz criticizes the current focus on great-power competition (China, Russia) over counterterrorism, warning of a potential loss of capabilities and strategic focus.
• Rep. Spanberger stresses the need for nuanced and strategic diplomacy, rather than reductive politics, and believes that diplomatic engagement with allies is crucial for long-term stability.

Key Takeaways

• Iran remains a significant threat due to its support for terrorism and nuclear ambitions.
• The maximum pressure campaign is working, but a comprehensive deal is needed.
• Yemen is a complex proxy war with significant humanitarian and strategic implications.
• Counterterrorism must be a long-term priority, not a short-term issue.
• Congress has a critical role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and ensuring accountability and strategic clarity.
• Countering the ideology of extremism is as important as military action.
• Diplomacy and alliance-building are essential to achieving regional stability and U.S. national security goals.

Conclusion

The conversation underscores the importance of a bipartisan and strategic approach to counterterrorism. While both representatives agree on the need for pressure on Iran and strategic engagement with allies, they differ on the timing and nature of diplomatic negotiations. The key challenge lies in maintaining a balanced strategy that addresses military, ideological, and diplomatic dimensions of the threat, while ensuring transparency and accountability in U.S. foreign policy decisions.