The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA), headed by Assistant Secretary Anne Patterson, 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 Kerry Meets With Iraqi President Fuad Masum
Date: 09/10/2014 Location: Baghdad, Iraq Description: Secretary of State John Kerry and Iraqi President Fouad Massoum, right, meet in Baghdad, Iraq. © AP Image/Brendan SmialowskiSecretary Kerry (Sept. 10): "I think many people, Mr. President, who made great sacrifices here in Iraq through the years to help Iraq have an opportunity to define its own government will be very gratified by what you’ve achieved, and we look forward to working with you." Full Text» Trip Page»

Formation of the Iraqi Government

Secretary Kerry (Sept. 8): "The Iraqi parliament approved a new and inclusive government, one that has the potential to unite all of Iraq's diverse communities for a strong Iraq, a united Iraq." Full Text» More»

Anti-ISIL Coalition
Date: 09/05/2014 Description: Secretary of State John Kerry, joined by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, smiles before a meeting about a unified response to the threat of ISIL, in Newport, Wales, on September 5, 2014. - State Dept ImageSecretary Kerry (Sept. 5): "We're convinced that in the days ahead we have the ability to destroy ISIL. It may take a year, it may take two years, it may take three years. But we’re determined it has to happen." Full Text» Joint Statement» Trip Page»

Date: 08/18/2014 Description: President Obama delivers a statement on Iraq, August 18, 2014. © AP ImagePresident Obama on the Latest Events in Iraq
Aug. 18: The President said that the American operation in Iraq has effectively protected our personnel in Erbil by stopping the terrorist group ISIL from advancing on the city of Erbil, and by helping Iraqi forces to recapture the largest dam in Iraq. DipNote»



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