Blinken Visits Jordan, Turkey for Syria Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is traveling to Jordan and Turkey to discuss the future of Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. His trip aims to establish a consensus among regional leaders on key principles for a post-Assad Syria, including respect for minority rights, humanitarian aid facilitation, and the prevention of terrorism. Blinken emphasized the need for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition to a government that reflects the country's diverse populations and is free from external interference. In Aqaba, he will meet with Jordanian officials to reinforce the U.S.-Jordan partnership and discuss regional stability, before heading to Ankara for talks with Turkish leaders. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is also set to hold an emergency session regarding Syria's chemical weapons, which may influence future U.S. actions. Blinken’s visit underscores the Biden administration's intent to play a significant role in shaping Syria's political landscape amidst ongoing regional tensions.