Washington – US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke yesterday, Friday, with his counterparts in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, as part of the Biden administration, whose term is about to expire, continuing its diplomatic efforts to reach agreements to end Israel’s conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
US officials said they would make a last-ditch effort to reach deals in the conflicts, but it was not clear how much influence they would have over Israel and other actors in the region whose eyes are now turning to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
White House spokesman Matthew Miller said that Blinken stressed in his calls on Friday the administration’s continued desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible and resolve the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese factions in Lebanon diplomatically, as well as discuss the conflict in Sudan.
Miller added that Blinken discussed in his call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan “efforts to reach the release of the hostages and chart a path that allows the Palestinians in Gaza to rebuild their lives and enhance governance, security and reconstruction.”
Miller said that Blinken discussed with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, “efforts to reach a diplomatic solution in Lebanon that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return to their homes.”
On Thursday, Blinken also spoke with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot about these efforts.
Reuters
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**Interview with Middle East Expert Dr. Sarah Khalil**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Khalil. With Secretary Blinken’s recent phone calls aimed at achieving ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon before the Biden administration transitions to the incoming Trump administration, many are wondering how effective these final diplomatic efforts might be. What are your thoughts?
**Dr. Khalil:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment for U.S. diplomacy. Blinken’s talks signal a desperate push for resolution, but there’s skepticism about the influence the outgoing administration can exert, especially as regional actors are already shifting their focus toward the new administration. They may not see significant value in negotiating terms if they believe a change in U.S. posture is imminent.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting point. Some critics argue that the U.S. should take a more assertive stance in these conflicts rather than relying solely on diplomatic discussions. Do you think a more forceful approach would yield better results?
**Dr. Khalil:** That’s a contentious debate. A more assertive approach could indeed apply pressure, but it risks igniting further tensions and could alienate key partners in the region. Historically, a heavy-handed U.S. intervention has not led to lasting peace, so there’s a balancing act to consider.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely, and with Blinken discussing not just Gaza and Lebanon but also the situation in Sudan, the complexity of these situations cannot be understated. How do you think prioritizing one conflict over another affects the potential for a diplomatic solution?
**Dr. Khalil:** Balancing these conflicts is crucial. Prioritizing one, like the immediate crisis in Gaza, could lead to neglect of others, like Sudan, which may exacerbate humanitarian issues and instability. It’s essential that U.S. efforts encompass a holistic view of the region’s dynamics rather than treating these conflicts in isolation.
**Interviewer:** Fascinating insights. As the window for the Biden administration closes, what do you believe needs to happen for there to be a successful transition of diplomatic efforts to the Trump administration?
**Dr. Khalil:** I think continuity is key. It’s important for the incoming administration to engage with developments and not dismiss the groundwork laid by Blinken. It might also help to involve international partners more actively, including the EU and regional powers, to ensure that there is a unified front pushing for stability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for your perspective. As we consider these important diplomatic efforts, what do our readers think? Should the U.S. continue to push for peace in the Middle East during this transition period, or is it time to reassess our approach given the changing political landscape?
