Blinken to Visit Jordan, Turkey Amid Syria Concerns

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Jordan and Turkey from December 11-13, 2024, marking his 12th trip to the Middle East since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict and his first following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad. In Aqaba, he will meet with Jordanian officials to discuss the situation in Syria, including the need for a Syrian-led transition to an accountable government that respects minority rights and secures chemical weapons. Following this, he will travel to Ankara for discussions on regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation with Turkish officials. His agenda also emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians. This diplomatic visit highlights the U.S. commitment to supporting Syria's neighbors during this transitional period of instability. Concurrently, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is in Israel, indicating a broader U.S. diplomatic effort in the region.