Blinken Off to Mideast Again as Risk of Wider War Increases.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be traveling to the Middle East for the fourth time since the attack on Israel in October. His trip will include visits to Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, the West Bank, and Greece. The purpose of the trip is to address critical issues and try to avert a broader regional conflict. Tensions are rising in the Red Sea due to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces, and there are also growing tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Blinken will focus on increasing humanitarian assistance in Gaza and engaging in tough conversations about the governance of Gaza. The Biden administration has been urging Israel to reduce the intensity of its war against Hamas. Blinken will also be pushing Arab nations to use their influence to prevent a wider war and help free hostages. [Extracted from the article]

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