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»
Combating ISIL
Secretary Kerry (Sept. 23): "We are going to do what is necessary to take the fight to ISIL, to begin to make it clear that terrorism, extremism does not have a place in the building of civilized society." Full Text»
UN Security Council Statement on Iraq
Secretary Kerry (Sept. 19): "The fact that so many countries are represented here from so many parts of the world really underscores the clear need for all of us to come together to welcome and to support the new, inclusive government in Iraq and to put an end to ISIL’s unfettered barbarity." Full Text»
U.S. Strategy To Defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant
Secretary Kerry (Sept. 17): "The United States will not go it alone. That has been a fundamental principle on which President Obama has sought to organize this effort. And that is why we are building a coalition, a global coalition." Full Text»
U.S. Policy in the Middle East
Under Secretary Sherman (Sept. 16): "America’s policy in the Middle East begins with our understanding that the problems now plaguing the region have tangled roots. The internal divides, historic rivalries, and contemporary competitions feed off of one another." Full Text»
Statement by the President on the ISIL Threat
President Obama (Sept. 10): "Our objective is clear: We will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy." Full Text» Statement by Secretary Kerry» Fact Sheet»
Secretary Kerry Meets With Iraqi President Fuad Masum
Secretary 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
Secretary 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»