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Blinken Urges Inclusive Transition in Syria During Unannounced Iraq Visit

Dec 13, 2024, 02:05 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Friday to meet with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort to stabilize Syria following the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. Blinken's discussions with al-Sudani focused on the future of Syria, emphasizing the need for an inclusive political transition that would prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State group and secure suspected chemical weapons stocks. The State Department highlighted the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership and to Iraq's security, stability, and sovereignty. This visit comes as the Biden administration is winding down, with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office soon. Trump has expressed skepticism about the U.S. military presence in both Iraq and Syria, potentially complicating the timing of the planned withdrawal of U.S.-led military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq.