Biden’s Top Aides Race to Middle East as Militias Wield Power in Syria
The New York Times
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken plans to hold meetings in Jordan and Turkey. Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, is visiting Israel.
President Biden’s two top national security officials left for the Middle East on Wednesday as the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s longtime autocratic ruler, to militias has prompted a diplomatic scramble in the region.
Antony J. Blinken, the secretary of state, is traveling to Jordan and Turkey, while Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, is visiting Israel, U.S. officials said. A central part of their discussions will revolve around the future governance of Syria.
Mr. Sullivan plans to be in Israel for a few days, with official meetings starting on Thursday, said Sean Savett, a National Security Council spokesman.
“Tomorrow, he’ll meet with Israeli officials as part of our close consultations on a range of important issues, including efforts to reach a hostage release and cease-fire deal in Gaza, the latest developments in Syria, and for discussions about Lebanon and Iran,” Mr. Savett said. “After that, he is planning to travel onward to Qatar and Egypt.”
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