The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA), headed by Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman, deals with U.S. foreign policy and U.S. diplomatic relations with Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Regional policy issues that NEA handles include Iraq, Middle East peace, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, and political and economic reform. -Clickable Map
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 4): "The United States sees Egypt as an essential partner, not only in the Middle East, but on global and regional issues, as well. And we are committed to working with Egypt to strengthen and deepen our cooperation and our partnership on these vital matters." -Full Text
Secretary Clinton (Oct. 31): "I want to see both sides begin as soon as possible in negotiations. We have worked – and of course, Senator Mitchell has worked tirelessly – in setting forth what are the approaches that each side wishes to pursue in order to get into those negotiations, so I’m not going to express my opinion as to whether or not there should be conditions. The important thing, as the prime minister just said, is to get into the negotiations. I gave the same message today when I met with President Abbas." -Full Text -Trip Information Page
Bombings in Iraq
Ambassador Rice (Oct. 21): "I’m especially honored to be here at the invitation of President Shimon Peres - an inspiration and a hero to us all. On behalf of President Obama, I want to extend America’s deepest thanks for everything you do to move Israel - and the world - toward lasting security and peace." -Full Text
Secretary Clinton (Oct. 20): "Iraq sits at a global crossroads, and it is a country that, because of its religious and ethnic diversity, has a great potential for connecting up far beyond its own borders in terms of investments and other kinds of opportunities. We believe strongly that Iraq is a land where generations of scientists, doctors, astronomers, engineers built a tradition of scholarship and inquiry that lives on in the Iraqi people today. And now is the time for both Iraq and its friends, like the United States, to demonstrate how there can be a new, more prosperous, peaceful future for Iraq." -Full Text -View VideoGeorge Mitchell is Special Envoy for Middle East Peace. -Visit
Middle East Digest
The "Middle East Digest" is a collection of excerpts from the U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefings that are related to U.S. foreign policy interests in the Middle East.
Secretary Clinton's Travel
Secretary Clinton is in Marrakesh, Morocco from November 2-3, 2009 to participate in the 6th Forum for the Future. -Trip Information Page
U.S. Concerned About Northern Yemen Humanitarian Situation
Department Spokesman Kelly (Oct. 28): "The United States is increasingly concerned about the humanitarian situation in northern Yemen resulting from the ongoing conflict between the Government of Yemen and Al-Houthi opposition groups in Sa’ada governorate. The United States calls on all parties to return to the ceasefire that was established in 2008; to respect principles of international humanitarian law; and to avoid any action that would endanger the civilian population – including relief workers – in the affected areas." -Full Text
The Re-Designation of Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
On October 16, 2009, Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg maintained the designation of Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. The review of AQIM’s designation was conducted in accordance with Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 USC 1189), which requires that an FTO review occur if after a five-year period there has been no review of the designation. -More
Release of the 2009 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
Secretary Clinton (Oct. 26): "Every year, the staff of our office of International Religious Freedom works with our embassies overseas and experts here in Washington to produce the world’s most comprehensive survey of religious freedom. This report examines how governments in 198 countries and territories are protecting or failing to protect religious freedom. It shines a spotlight on abuses by states and societies, and it draws attention to positive steps by many countries and organizations to promote freedom and interreligious harmony." -Full Text -Assistant Secretary Posner remarks -All reports -NEA specific reports
A Constructive Beginning
President Obama (Oct. 1):"The P5-plus-1 is united, and we have an international community that has reaffirmed its commitment to non-proliferation and disarmament. That’s why the Iranian Government heard a clear and unified message from the international community in Geneva: Iran must demonstrate through concrete steps that it will live up to its responsibilities with regard to its nuclear program. In pursuit of that goal, today’s meeting was a constructive beginning, but it must be followed by constructive action by the Iranian government." Full Text -Background Briefing by a Senior U.S. Official -Iran Participation at P5+1 Meeting
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