What is the secret of the map? Blinken receives a US military briefing regarding Iraq and Syria
Shafaq News/ On Friday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken received a briefing from the US Army Commander in Iraq, during a meeting held at the Washington Embassy in the capital, Baghdad.
A photo published by Reuters showed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken listening to a briefing from Major General Kevin Leahy, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, at the US embassy in the capital, Baghdad.
The photo shows Blinken, Leahy, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, and a number of diplomatic officials at the embassy.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made an unannounced visit to the capital, Baghdad, which was not on the agenda of his Middle East tour that he has been conducting since yesterday, to discuss with the leaders of the region’s countries the latest developments in Syria, after the fall of the Assad regime and the Syrian opposition’s control of the reins of power in Damascus.
Upon landing at Baghdad International Airport, Blinken was received by American diplomats only, without any Iraqi official receiving him, according to the photos that documented the moment he got off the plane.
Following that, Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and discussed with him bilateral relations between the two countries, ways to enhance joint cooperation, as well as discussing the situation in the region, developments in the current events in Syria, and the regional and international efforts required to enhance security in Syria and the stability of the entire region .
Al-Sudani renewed, according to a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, support for Syria in this important stage, and the importance of friendly countries helping the Syrians rebuild their country and confront the challenges that may affect civil peace in it, stressing the necessity of representing all components of the Syrian people in the administration of the country to ensure enhancing its stability. He also stressed that Iraq is waiting for actions, not words, from those in charge of managing the transitional phase in Syria .
The Iraqi Prime Minister stressed the need not to allow any aggression on Syrian territory, from any party, because this represents a threat to security and stability in the region .
For his part, the US Secretary of State stressed, according to the Iraqi statement, Washington and Baghdad’s agreement on the necessity of respecting the choices of the Syrian people, and working to form a comprehensive government that reflects the will of the Syrian people and the diversity of its components .
Blinken referred to the pivotal role of Iraq, and stressed that it represents a key partner in the region, and the importance of consulting with it on the current developments witnessed in the region, and that the members of the international coalition are committed to the security, sovereignty and stability of Iraq.
