Blinken Visits Iraq to Discuss Syria Crisis

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq to meet with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani amid the unexpected collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. The discussions focused on the need for an inclusive and non-sectarian government in Syria that respects minority rights and prevents the country from becoming a platform for terrorism. Blinken emphasized the importance of stability in Iraq due to the ongoing threat from ISIS, noting that the US still has around 900 troops in Syria to combat the group. The visit also reflects a US strategy to curb Iranian influence in the region, as Iraq remains a key player in Iran's Axis of Resistance. The Biden administration hopes to encourage Syrian rebels to form a government that avoids Islamist factions. This diplomatic effort comes as Iraq grapples with regional instability and the implications of Assad's downfall.