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Blinken Heads to Middle East

Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the West Bank from February 4-8. It is his fifth trip to the region since the Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7….reports Asian Lite News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday departed for a four-nation visit to the Middle East as part of continuing diplomatic efforts related to the war between Israel and Hamas, including securing a deal on release of hostages and humanitarian pause for increased delivery of aid to Gaza, The New York Times reported.

Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the West Bank from February 4-8. It is his fifth trip to the region since the Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday said that Israel has a right to respond to the horrific attacks of Hamas. He said that US has helped unlock and get into Gaza Strip and added that there need to be much more of it. He said that making sure more humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza will be a “top priority” for Blinken, who is on his way to the Middle East region.

Speaking on ‘Face The News’ on CBC News, Sullivan said, “Secretary Blinken is on his way to the region as we speak, and this will be a top priority of his when he sees the Israeli government that the needs of the Palestinian people or something that are going to be front and center in the US approach and that we want to ensure that they are getting access to life saving food, medicine, water, shelter. And we’ll continue to press until that is done.”

In a statement on February 2, US State Department said that Blinken, during his visit to Middle East region, will continue diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement that secures the release of all remaining hostages and includes a humanitarian pause that will allow for increased delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in Gaza.

The US Department of State said, “The Secretary will continue diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement that secures the release of all remaining hostages and includes a humanitarian pause that will allow for sustained, increased delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.”

“He will continue work to prevent the spread of the conflict, while reaffirming that the United States will take appropriate steps to defend its personnel and the right to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The Secretary will also continue discussions with partners on how to establish a more integrated, peaceful region that includes lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” it added.

Notably, The war between Israel and Hamas began after the latter launched an attack on the former on October 7, where around 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 250 taken hostage. Israel then launched a counter-attack on Hamas and has vowed to eliminate the terrorist group.

In the latest development in the ongoing war, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF)on Sunday said that IDF soldiers operatied within a compound in Khan Yunis and located AK-47 rifles, ammunition, military equipment, and technological assets. In addition, IDF troops also located RPGs inside of terrorist’s residences.

In a post on X, IDF stated, “IDF operations continue in Gaza: Khan Yunis IDF troops operated within a compound and located AK-47 rifles, ammunition, military equipment, and technological assets. Additionally, troops also located RPGs inside of terrorist’s residences.”

“An IDF fighter jet struck an Islamic Jihad sniper. Northern Gaza During operations within compounds, IDF troops located 7 AK-47 rifles, 3 pistols, military equipment, ammunition, and grenades. IDF fighter jets struck a number of Hamas terrorist targets, including infrastructure and launch posts. IDF Naval forces struck Hamas targets and continued to assist ground troops.” (ANI)

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We see India as an extraordinary success story, says Blinken

Blinken also commented on the recent Taiwan presidential elections which made China furious and reaffirmed US support for the status quo of the island country…reports Asian Lite News

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that the United States sees India as an ‘extraordinary success story’ and added that India’s leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has benefited the relations of many ally countries.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Secretary Blinken mentioned that the India-US conversation always underscores the significance of democracy and human rights and the relations between the two countries have been established to a new level.

“We see an extraordinary success story and we see the remarkable achievements that Prime Minister Modi has achieved moving forward under his watch that have materially benefited and positively affected so many of the allies. We also see our relationship between our countries that is in a new place at a new level. That’s been a very deliberate effort by both the Prime Minister and President Biden. At the same time, a constant and regular part of our conversation is the conversation about democracy and about human rights,” Blinken said.

He added, “When President (Biden) took office, he wanted to make sure that we put back into our foreign policy. These fundamental concerns about democracy, about human rights and we done that. We do it in different ways in different places. Because of the nature of relationship, we have with the country, with the government, it’s part of very sustain, very real conversation and the conversation that we have off course produces positive change.”

Blinken also commented on the recent Taiwan presidential elections which made China furious and reaffirmed US support for the status quo of the island country.

He said, “We see a very powerful affirmation of democracy. We congratulated the people of Taiwan. Our fundamental interest is the peace and stability is maintained. The Taiwan Strait that any differences between Beijing and Taiwan resolved peacefully. One of the hailmark of success of the relationship between the United States and China since the establishment of diplomatic relations has actually with the management of the Taiwan issue. The premium we have had in maintaining the status quo.”

The Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum provides a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to exchange ideas and perspectives on critical global issues.

As the discussions unfold, participants are keenly observing signals that may impact economic policies, financial markets, and broader trends shaping the global economy. (ANI)

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Blinken’s Emergency Plane Change After ‘Critical Failure’

The Alaska Air plane is a newer version of the 737 than the one that Blinken had been set to ride on, which is an older model modified for use by the military…reports Asian Lite News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had to change planes while returning to Washington from Davos after his Boeing 737 aircraft had a “critical failure”, the media reported.

Blinken was in Davos this week to attend meetings on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss city.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when Blinken and the traveling press boarded the modified Boeing 737 jet in Zurich, CNN reported.

According to the travelling press, the aircraft suffered the issue after boarding and they were forced to deplane.

A new, smaller aircraft was being sent for Blinken, and many in the traveling party will now be returning to Washington commercially, they added.

Addressing the media on Wednesday night, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said the plane suffered a mechanical issue.

He however, referred further questions to the US Air Force, reports CNN.

This latest development comes as Boeing is facing a number of issues on its aircraft.

On January 5, an Alaska Airlines jet had a door plug blow out shortly after takeoff when the plane was at 16,000 feet, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the jet.

The Alaska Air plane is a newer version of the 737 than the one that Blinken had been set to ride on, which is an older model modified for use by the military.

But the newer version, the 737 Max, has had a series of serious problems long before the Alaska Air incident this month.

Two crashes of the 737 Max, in 2018 in Indonesia and 2019 in Ethopia, killed all 346 people on board the flights, and led to a 20-month grounding of the jet.

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Blinken, Jaishankar Discuss Maritime Security Amidst Houthi Attacks

The discussion came as the US and British militaries launched massive retaliatory strikes targeting a dozen sites used by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen…reports Asian Lite News

The US has welcomed “increased cooperation” with India in defending freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden amid growing Houthi attacks in the region.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday and discussed “shared concerns” over the reckless Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Miller said the attacks “threaten the free flow of commerce, endanger innocent mariners, and violate international law”.

“The Secretary emphasised the Red Sea is a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade and welcomed increased cooperation with India in defending freedom of navigation in the region,” Miller said.

The discussion came as the US and British militaries launched massive retaliatory strikes targeting a dozen sites used by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

The two leaders also discussed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, efforts to prevent the conflict’s escalation and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

In a post shared on X on Thursday, Jaishankar said he appreciated Blinken’s insights on the ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza.

“A good discussion this evening with my friend US @SecBlinken. Our conversation focused on maritime security challenges, especially the Red Sea region. Appreciated his insights on ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza. Exchanged perspectives on developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict. Looking forward to realising our extensive cooperation agenda for 2024,” Jaishankar added.

The Houthis — an Iran-backed Shia political and military organisation that has been fighting a civil war in Yemen against a coalition backed by Saudi Arabia — have launched drones and missiles at commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, many of which have been intercepted and shot down by US Navy ships in the area.

The rebel group has said that it is acting in support of Hamas’ fight against Israel in Gaza, following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US has conducted nearly 400 airstrikes in Yemen since 2002.

But White House and Pentagon officials have said since the Hamas attack that they do not want to see the conflict in Gaza expand into the region, according to a CNN report.

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US Deepens Partnership with India for Indo-Pacific Stability

An informal strategic forum comprising US, India, Australia and Japan, one of the Quad’s primary objectives has been to work for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region…reports Asian Lite News

The US has deepened its partnership with India and elevated cooperation through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

Speaking at the end-of-year press availability on Wednesday, Blinken said in the coming year, the US will continue to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” with those who share its vision for a “free, open, prosperous, and secure world”.

“Our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific have never been stronger… We’ve deepened our partnership with India. We’ve elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, Australia,” Blinken said.

An informal strategic forum comprising US, India, Australia and Japan, one of the Quad’s primary objectives has been to work for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

This year, the summit was hosted by Australia on the side-lines of the ongoing G-7 Summit in Hiroshima, where the leaders reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

The 2024 Quad Summit was supposed to be held in India for the first time likely on January 27 but it has been postponed as the proposed dates didn’t work out with the member countries, according to the government sources.

To further bolster their partnership in the Indo-Pacific, Blinken said that the US is working with the UK and Australia to produce nuclear-powered submarines.

The US has also launched new comprehensive strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, a new Defence Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines, new trilateral initiatives with the Philippines and Japan, and new embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga.

Blinken further said that the US is more closely aligned than ever with the G7, with the EU, with other allies and partners on the challenges presented by Beijing.

“We’re working together to address them. We’re deepening cooperation and coordination between NATO and our Indo-Pacific allies. These efforts have allowed us to engage more effectively when tackling areas of concern, like China’s coercive trade and economic practices, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, and human rights,” Blinken said.

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Lloyd Austin to Visit Israel Amidst Conflict

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin attends a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel on April 11, 2021. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua/IANS)

The Defense Secretary will also visit Qatar as part of a larger framework for mediatory talks between Israel and Hamas…reports Asian Lite News

Following the recent high-profile visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to Israel, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will arrive here on Monday.

The visit assumes significance as the raging war between Israel and Hamas has entered the 73rd day, with International pressure mounting on the Jewish nation to stop the hostilities in Gaza following several civilian casualties.

Sources in Israeli Defence Ministry told IANS that Austin will announce a new Marine Protection Force in the Red Sea as the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen have attacking and even hijacking ships passing through the crucial region.

The Defense Secretary will also visit Qatar as part of a larger framework for mediatory talks between Israel and Hamas.

He is also slated to make a stop in Bahrain.

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Blinken: Clear That Israel Cannot Occupy Gaza

In what is being construed as rebuttal to Netanyahu’s comments, Blinken laid out in clear terms the US’ terms for “durable peace and security” in Gaza after the war…reports TN Ashok

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that it is “clear that Israel cannot occupy Gaza”, and “there may be a need for some transition period at the end of the conflict” between Israel and Hamas.

The top US diplomat’s escalation of the US demand for a temporary truce and a “No” to occupation of Gaza came through his words “transition period” in response to comments from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who earlier this week said Israel will have the “overall security responsibility” in Gaza for an “indefinite period” after the war with Hamas ends, media reports said.

“It is imperative that Palestinian people be central to the governance in Gaza, and in the West Bank as well, and that again, we don’t see a re-occupation,” Blinken said at a news conference following the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Tokyo.

Blinken also said he heard from Israeli officials that “they have no intent to reoccupy Gaza and retain control of Gaza”. 

In what is being construed as rebuttal to Netanyahu’s comments, Blinken laid out in clear terms the US’ terms for “durable peace and security” in Gaza after the war. 

Blinken stressed that this territory must not be reduced or occupied.

“The only question is, is there some transition period that might be necessary? And what might be the mechanisms that you could put in place for that to make sure that there is security. But we’re very clear on no reoccupation, just as we’re very clear on no displacement of the Palestinian population,” Blinken was quoted by the CNN as saying.

“As we’ve said before, we need to see and get to, in effect, unity of governance when it comes to Gaza and the West Bank, and ultimately to a Palestinian state,” Blinken said.

Meanwhile, Israel said its forces were at the “heart of Gaza City” targeting Hamas infrastructure and commanders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was “advancing the pressure applied on Hamas every hour and every day”.

But it is unclear where Israel is operating from inside Gaza City, which lies to the north of Gaza Strip. 

Israel opened another temporary evacuation corridor on Wednesday for people in Gaza to move south, the destination for all those who fled. 

As civilian casualties mount, G7 ministers voiced support for humanitarian pauses in the fighting but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire. Israel has ruled out humanitarian pauses without the release of hostages.

The White House maintained it doesn’t believe Israeli forces should reoccupy Gaza after Netanyahu said Israel will have the “overall security responsibility” for the strip for an “indefinite period.” A top Netanyahu aide said Israel’s post-war plan is not an “ongoing occupation”.

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Blinken rejects Arab demand for urgent Gaza truce

The senior US envoy said that he agreed with his Arab counterparts on the need for aid corridors, acknowledging that what has so far entered Gaza is “inadequate.”…reports Asian Lite News

A demand by Jordan and Egypt for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza was rejected by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at an Arab foreign ministers meeting in Amman on Saturday.

Blinken said that a truce would be counterproductive, and made clear the furthest he would go was support for a humanitarian pause to allow the delivery of aid and the evacuation of civilians from the besieged enclave.

“It is our view now that a ceasefire would simply leave Hamas in place, able to regroup and repeat what it did on Oct. 7,” Blinken told a news conference after the talks, referring to the militant group’s attack on southern Israel that triggered the latest Gaza conflict.

Foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Qatar, and a senior Palestinian official met with Blinken after holding a separate consultative meeting earlier and another with Jordan’s King Abdullah.

The meeting was attended by Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan, along with Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan from the UAE, Qatar’s Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry, and Hussein Al-Sheikh from the Palestine Liberation Organization.

According to a Jordanian Foreign Ministry statement, the meeting reaffirmed Arab calls for an “immediate” ceasefire and “undisrupted” delivery of relief assistance as part of efforts to stop the war. Speaking at a joint press conference with Shoukry and Blinken, Safadi said that “slaughter and war crimes need to stop, and also the immunity given to Israel before the international law.”

He called for “immediate” delivery of aid into Gaza and a halt to Israeli displacement of Palestinians, and also voiced alarm at the situation in the occupied West Bank, where “settlers are permitted to kill innocent Palestinians.”

Shoukry also raised concerns over the mounting civilian toll in Gaza, describing it as “collective punishment,” and saying that “the slaughter of civilians cannot be justified in (any) terms even as self-defense.” The Egyptian foreign minister called for an “immediate ceasefire without any condition,” and said that Israel needs to end its violations of international humanitarian law.

He also highlighted “double standards” in dealing with the mounting civilian toll, saying: “Arab blood is no less worthy.” Blinken reaffirmed Washington’s support for “humanitarian pauses” to ensure civilians receive assistance.

The senior US envoy said that he agreed with his Arab counterparts on the need for aid corridors, acknowledging that what has so far entered Gaza is “inadequate.”

Asked why Washington is failing to exert pressure to stop the killing of civilians, Blinken said that “Israel has the right to defend itself, but also to take means to ensure the protection of civilians and minimize harm to them.”

He claimed Hamas “embeds itself” within the civilian population, and is using civilian infrastructure as command centers and for ammunition storage.

“But Israel has an obligation to defend civilians. This is what I told the Israelis,” he said.

Washington’s top diplomat said that he is saddened to see bodies of children pulled from the rubble in Gaza. “I am a father and I have children and I know how it feels.”

Ending the press conference, Safadi said: “Self-defense? How would you explain this term to a father who is unable to protect his children and find shelter for them, not even in a refugee camp, a hospital or a UN organization?”

Before meeting Blinken, King Abdullah told the foreign ministers “to maintain Arab coordination and speak in one voice to the international community regarding the dangerous escalations in Gaza.”

He added: “Arab states have the responsibility of pushing the international community and world powers to stop the war on Gaza, allow the uninterrupted delivery of aid, and protect civilians.”

The king warned that continued fighting would lead to an “explosion in the region,” a statement said.

The Jordanian ruler also urged constant support for international relief organizations working in Gaza, especially UNRWA. He reiterated that a political solution is needed to achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of a two-state solution.

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Top Arab Diplomats, Blinken to Meet in Amman to Discuss Gaza

The top Arab diplomats will hold a coordination meeting before meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The foreign ministers of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Amman on Saturday to look into a ceasefire in Gaza, according to a statement from the Jordanian Foreign Ministry.

The Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization will also attend the meeting, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement.

The top Arab diplomats will hold a coordination meeting before meeting with Blinken.

During their meeting with Blinken, the top Arab diplomats will reaffirm the Arab stance, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent and immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance to the besieged strip.

The Arab foreign ministers will also discuss with Blinken how to contain the Israel-Hamas conflict and prevent it from spreading to the region.

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Blinken to visit India for 2+2 ministerial dialogue

During his visit to India, the Secretary of State will be accompanied by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin…reports Asian Lite News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on the visit of five nations, whose conclusion will be marked by his visit to India to participate in the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November, the State Department informed in a statement.

Blinken will be visiting Israel, Jordan, Japan, South Korea and lastly, India.

During his visit to India, Blinken will be accompanied by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. The US delegation will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior Indian officials to discuss both bilateral and global concerns and developments in the Indo-Pacific.

The central focus of these talks is to address the ongoing conflicts and regional security concerns while strengthening the strategic ties between India and the United States. The agenda is expansive, encompassing the India-US Strategic Relationship, as well as exploring avenues to enhance bilateral relations and collaboration within international forums such as the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) and I2U2.

One prominent subject for discussion is the military standoff on the northern borders between India and China. Both countries have a vested interest in resolving this standoff amicably, thereby contributing to regional stability.

Another matter of great concern is the global security implications of the Russia-Ukraine war. As members of the QUAD, a coalition dedicated to ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region, India and the U.S. are likely to deliberate on their respective roles in the context of this global event. The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza region may also find a place on the agenda, with a focus on containment to prevent further escalation.

Defense hardware cooperation is a substantial part of these talks, given India’s significant purchases of American weaponry, including over US$3 billion worth of Predator drones and related systems from General Atomics. This not only strengthens India’s defense capabilities but also underscores the deepening partnership between the two nations in the defense sector.

On the defense front, both sides will review the progress on the implementation of the Roadmap for US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation. This includes assessing the progress on co-production initiatives announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in June.

Recently, India and the US made commitments to expedite negotiations on the Security of Supply Arrangement and Reciprocal Defense Procurement agreements, further solidifying their defense ties and cooperation in this critical sector.

The agenda of these talks also involves identifying opportunities to enhance interoperability and logistics cooperation. This includes joint maritime engagements in the Indian Ocean region and expanded collaboration in the domains of space and cyber security.

These talks hold immense significance, not only in bolstering India-US relations but also in addressing complex regional and global security challenges. Observers from around the world will closely watch the outcomes of these discussions as India and the United States navigate the intricate web of international diplomacy and geopolitics.

In Israel, Blinken will reiterate US support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism consistent with international humanitarian law and discuss efforts to safeguard US citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, work to secure the immediate release of hostages, increase the pace and volume of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza for distribution to Palestinian civilians, and prevent the conflict from spreading, the statement read.

After this, he will go to Jordan, where Blinken will underscore the importance of protecting civilian lives and our shared commitment to facilitating the increased, sustained delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, the resumption of essential services, and ensuring that Palestinians are not forcibly displaced outside of Gaza.

He will also discuss urgent mechanisms to stem violence, calm rhetoric, reduce regional tensions, and reaffirm the US commitment to working with partners to set the conditions necessary for a durable and sustainable peace in the Middle East, including the establishment of a Palestinian state, the State Department added.

“Secretary Blinken will then lead US delegations to Tokyo, Seoul, and New Delhi to advance collaborative efforts to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region that is prosperous, secure, connected, and resilient,” it added.

In Tokyo, Blinken will participate in the second G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of 2023, where G7 foreign ministers will build on the commitments made by leaders at the G7 Hiroshima Summit.

Blinken will also thank Japan for its successful G7 presidency. The Secretary will also have bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko to discuss bilateral priorities, including supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery and energy needs and strengthening our cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

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