The Hill News

Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers (R) said there's "concern" elements of al Qaeda may have infiltrated the rebel forces in Libyan, but said the possibility of Col. Moammar Gadhafi remaining in power was more worrying.

"Well, in most Middle East countries there are elements of al Qaeda. Now that doesn't mean they're a part of the government. It doesn't mean they're the majority. ... But yes, it's a concern," Rogers, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday.

American forces, led by NATO, are conducting a bombing campaign against Gadhafi's forces in support of a ragtag rebel army. Rogers said the Libyan leader staying on power would be dangerous on account of his past support for terrorism and the weapons he has stockpiled.

"I think if you have a stalemate with Moammar Gadhafi still in power when you have this split country where he still possesses stockpiles of some pretty awful stuff, I think you have to ! worry that he is a terrorist threat," he said. "We ought to stand with the president on making this a positive outcome for the United States. Again, the people of Libya."

Still, Rogers again expressed his reluctance to arm the Libyan rebels.

"What we need to know is who they are," he said. "We know what they're against, the rebels. We know they're against Moammar Gadhafi remaining in power, but we don't know what they're for."

Instead, he suggested the special forces from the Arab League's militaries could be used to assist the rebels.

"If the Arab League is putting those types of forces on the ground, you know, good on 'em," he said. "The rebels could certainly use that help and support from the Arab League."