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 (Apr. 7): "Let me just reiterate how indispensable the cooperation between the United States and the GCC countries is for the people of this entire region." Full Text» Trip Page»
Secretary Kerry (Mar. 30): "We have worked as partners for a long period of time on many, many issues, and Egypt right now is playing a critical role in helping us to deal with Libya in a responsible way. Even today, a major step was taken which we hope, all of us, will bear fruit to put a government in place." Full Text» More»
Secretary Kerry (Mar. 17): "In my judgment, Daesh is responsible for genocide against groups in areas under its control, including Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims." Full Text» Atrocities Prevention Report»
Secretary Kerry (Mar. 13): "Daesh’s campaign of evil has extended now well beyond Iraq and Syria, and all of us have come here united in our deep belief that the Syrian civil war must end." Full Text» Trip Page»
Secretary Kerry (Mar. 12): "We really focused very intently on Syria and all agree on the importance of getting to the talks where the substance of transition, the transitional government, takes place as soon as possible." Full Text» Trip Page»
