Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
Sign up for Near Eastern Affairs email updates. The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA), headed by Acting Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman, 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 Clinton Travels to Iraq, Kuwait, and Lebanon
Secretary Clinton traveled to Baghdad, Iraq, April 25. The trip to Iraq was her first as Secretary of State. Secretary Clinton also visited Kuwait on April 25 and Beirut, Lebanon, on April 26. -More
New Ambassador to Iraq 
The White House has issued the following readout on the President’s meeting with Ambassador Chris Hill: Earlier this week, Ambassador Hill was confirmed by the Senate to serve as our Ambassador to Iraq. Ambassador Hill will head to Iraq this week, and the President wanted to speak with him before he leaves for his important new post. They discussed the current situation in Iraq and the need to make political progress. -More on Iraq
President Obama Surprises Troops During Visit to Iraq
President Obama (Apr. 7): "Under enormous strain and under enormous sacrifice, through controversy and difficulty and politics, you've kept your eyes focused on just doing your job. And because of that, every mission that's been assigned--from getting rid of Saddam, to reducing violence, to stabilizing the country, to facilitating elections--you have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country. That is an extraordinary achievement, and for that you have the thanks of the American people." -Full Text
Special Envoy Mitchell's Travel to Middle East
Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell traveled to the Middle East to advance the goal of the two-state solution and comprehensive peace in the region. Special Envoy Mitchell's aim for this trip was to discuss next steps in moving the parties toward a lasting peace that will benefit all the people of the region. -More
Recent Developments in Lebanon
Acting Assistant Secretary Jeffrey D. Feltman (Mar. 24): "Since the initial days of this new administration, President Obama and Secretary Clinton have worked actively to demonstrate our continuing and unwavering support for a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Lebanon. We will continue to seek full implementation of all UN Security Council resolutions on Lebanon and remain engaged with our partners in working toward this goal. We are also continuing important efforts to strengthen the institutions of the Lebanese state and to support the Lebanese government’s efforts to extend its authority throughout Lebanon." -Full Text
Case of Missing American Citizen Robert Levinson
Acting Spokesman Wood (Mar. 8): "Today marks the 2-year anniversary of the disappearance of American citizen Robert Levinson, a retired FBI agent who went missing in Iran during a business trip to Kish Island in 2007. On this day, we reiterate our commitment to determining Mr. Levinson’s welfare and whereabouts, and reuniting him with his family." -More
Secretary Clinton' s Travel to the Middle East and Europe, March 1-7, 2009
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Belgium, Switzerland, and Turkey from March 1 to 7, 2009. -More on travel -Photo Gallery
Acting Assistant Secretary Feltman traveled to Syria on May 5th, to discuss issues of mutual and regional concern. This trip will further advance the U.S. commitment to direct diplomacy with Syria and continue discussions from his previous trip. Acting Assistant Secretary Feltman will be accompanied by NSC Senior Director Daniel Shapiro
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