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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»
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
Secretary Clinton (May 24): "Men and women who want to speak, worship, associate, love the way they choose – we will defend their rights; not just on the day we issue these reports, but every day." Full Text» View Reports» Fact Sheet» DipNote Blog» More»
Violence in Lebanon
Acting Spokesperson Toner (May 21): "We are concerned by the security situation in Lebanon following the shooting of Sheikh Ahmad Abdul Wahad and Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Merheb near a Lebanese Army checkpoint in the northern region of Akkar. The United States expresses its sincere condolences for the loss of life. We welcome the commitment of the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Armed Forces to conduct a swift and transparent investigation of the shooting incident, and we call on all parties to exercise restraint and respect for Lebanon’s security and stability."
U.S.-Israel Consultation
Secretary Clinton (May 17): "We have a constant consultation between the Government of the U.S. and the Government of Israel on a full range of important issues." Full Text»
Assessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs Amidst Economic Challenges in the Middle East
Assistant Secretary Feltman (May 9): "In FY 2013, the Department will further capitalize on the opportunities and respond to the imperative provided by the region’s democratic transitions, working with new partners to build a more stable, peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In doing so, as we have over the last 16 months, we will draw on close relationships with our interagency colleagues to address the significant challenges in the region." Full Text»
Secretary Clinton Meets With Bahraini Crown Prince Salman
Secretary Clinton (May 9): "Good afternoon. I am delighted to welcome His Royal Highness here to the State Department. Bahrain is a valued ally of the United States. We partner on many important issues of mutual concern to each of our nations and to the regional and global concerns as well. I’m looking forward to a chance to talk over with His Royal Highness a number of the issues both internally and externally that Bahrain is dealing with and have some better understanding of the ongoing efforts that the Government of Bahrain is undertaking." Full Text»
Ongoing Violence in Syria
UN Ambassador Rice (May 8): "The situation in Syria remains dire, especially for the millions who continue to endure daily attacks and who are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The United States has been clear that we want the United Nations mission to succeed. But we have been equally clear that the onus remains on the Syrian regime to create the conditions for that success.” Full Text»
