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DIPLOMATIC TURBULENCE: BLINKEN'S RETURN TO THE MIDDLE EAST AMIDST A STORM OF RED SEA, LEBANON, IRAN, AND IRAQ ATTACKS
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to make his fourth visit to the Middle East in three months, highlighting the Biden administration's commitment to resolving the region's growing tensions.
Blinken's visit comes against the backdrop of heightened instability since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, with recent attacks in the Red Sea, Lebanon, Iran, and Iraq raising concerns of a broader conflict and impacting global trade routes.
The State Department detailed Blinken's comprehensive travel plans, encompassing visits to Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt. Acknowledging the intricate nature of the current issues, spokesperson Matthew Miller from the State Department conceded that not all discussions on the trip would be straightforward. Nevertheless, he underscored Blinken's commitment to spearheading diplomatic initiatives and tackling the complex challenges confronting the region.
Blinken's visit follows international criticism of Israel's operations in Gaza and concerns expressed by U.S. lawmakers about the ongoing situation. The recent suspected Israeli attack that resulted in the death of Hamas deputy leader Saleh Arouri in Beirut adds another layer of complexity to Blinken's mission.
During his time in Israel, Blinken is expected to prioritize Gaza-specific issues, urging additional humanitarian aid, advocating for reduced military operations, and pressing for a decrease in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The State Department highlighted Blinken's broader goal of seeking regional assistance in calming tensions and preventing the conflict from spreading beyond Gaza.
Crucial factors in averting a broader conflict involve discouraging Yemen's Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, from launching attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, preventing Lebanon's Hezbollah, backed by Iran, from targeting Israel, and thwarting assaults on U.S. military installations by Iranian-supported militias in Iraq and Syria.
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The intensifying situation is underscored by a U.S. defence official's data, indicating a minimum of 121 assaults on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since October 17, including three recent incidents in the past 48 hours. As Blinken collaborates with regional leaders, the primary emphasis centers on diplomatic initiatives to navigate the intricate challenges confronting the Middle East.
