1 INTRODUCTION
1. This Report is the fifth in a series on foreign
policy aspects of the war against terrorism produced by the Foreign
Affairs Committee since the events of 11 September 2001. As a
glance at the list of contents will confirm, it covers a broad
range of issues, from the political and security situation in
Iraq to Russia's stockpiles of chemical weapons. This range reflects
the Committee's view that the diverse threats to security posed
by terrorism and failed states are—or could become—inter-connected,
and that they need to be considered and countered as part of a
coherent strategy.
2. In preparing this Report, we heard oral evidence
and received written evidence from a range of witnesses. We also
held discussions with senior figures in New York (at the United
Nations), Washington DC, Moscow, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our
visit to Pakistan included a day in the North West Frontier Province,
and in Afghanistan we visited Mazar-e Sharif as well as Kabul.
Some Members of the Committee were also able to continue our series
of visits to Iraq. These visits have been immensely useful both
in expanding the range of those with whom we can discuss war on
terrorism issues, and in allowing us to see the situation on the
ground in some of the key locations. We are grateful to all those
who have helped us with this inquiry, whether by sending us written
evidence, appearing before us, assisting us with our visits, or
meeting us informally.
3. There is, unfortunately, no prospect that
the war against terrorism will become less of a foreign policy
priority over the coming months than it is at the time of preparing
this Report. Our inquiry into foreign policy aspects of the war
against terrorism will therefore continue, and it is our intention
to make a further Report to the House in due course.
|
