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Chairman of Joint Chiefs says 'nexus of terror' in Mideast remains top threat to U.S.

Thursday, November 20, 2008 Free Headline Alerts

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has set the Middle East, particularly Iran, as a priority for 2009.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff, which provides military guidance to the president, has determined that the Middle East would continue to be a major issue in 2009. Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, said the "greater Middle East" must remain the focus of the United States. He defined the region as an area that spans North Africa to Pakistan.

"Combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan remain our immediate priority," Mullen wrote in a memorandum. "We must do all we can to win these two wars."

Mullen, in guidance to the 1,500 members of the Joint Staff, was referring to the U.S. military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. The admiral said the U.S. military must maintain its commitment to these countries and others in the region.

"The sustained presence and persistent engagement of our forces are the most effective way to develop the lasting relationships and cooperation necessary to secure our vital national interests," Mullen wrote.

Mullen said Iran must remain a priority in 2009. He called on the Joint Staff to update assessments and operational plans for Iran, accused of developing nuclear weapons, as well as other countries in the region.

"I believe the nexus of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction remains the greatest threat to the United States and our vital national interests," the memorandum said. "It is imperative that we remain capable of executing our war plans and engaged around the world — building partner capacity, improving international and interagency cooperation and fostering both security and stability."

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs also warned of a resurgence of Al Qaida in Pakistan. Mullen said Al Qaida safe havens in Pakistan mark the greatest potential source of an attack on the United States.

"Al Qaida sanctuaries in the under-governed regions of Pakistan further contribute to regional instability," Mullen said.

Mullen called on the Joint Staff to develop a military strategy to support U.S. policy in the Middle East. A key concern, Mullen wrote, was the erosion of U.S. military assets and morale amid the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"We have been at war for more than seven years, and I remain concerned that the high pace of operations will further degrade our warfighting systems, equipment, platforms and people if we fail to deliver on initiatives such as grow the force and reset funding," the memorandum said.

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