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Blinken Makes Unannounced Visit to Iraq to Coordinate Post-Assad Syria Strategy

Dec 13, 2024, 01:55 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Friday to discuss the future of Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad to coordinate a regional approach to stabilize post-Assad Syria, emphasizing the need for Iraq to enhance its sovereignty and stability. This visit is part of Blinken's 12th trip to the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war began, focusing on preventing further regional turmoil and ensuring a peaceful political transition in Syria. The U.S. aims to support an inclusive transition in Syria that does not allow the Islamic State group to regain influence or territory, and Blinken underscored the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership. Discussions also touched on regional security, with Bahrain expressing willingness to support Syria in international organizations like the Arab League.