Obama, Saudi prince discuss Middle East turmoil

By Kasim Ileri

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama met Saudi deputy crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Friday at the White House to discuss the turmoil in the Middle East.

“Reviewing recent Iraqi gains against ISIL, the president and deputy crown prince discussed steps to support the Iraqi people, including increased Gulf support to fund urgent humanitarian and stabilization needs,” according to a White House statement.

Iraqi forces, accompanied by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, have captured territory from Daesh including Anbar Province’s capital of Ramadi but the offensive against the militant group has severely damaged infrastructure while internally displacing tens of thousands of residents.

The U.S. has urged the international community to help reconstruct the country.

Noting his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s contributions to the anti-Daesh fight, Obama also exchanged views on Syria with the prince, the White House said.

“They reaffirmed the importance of supporting the cessation of hostilities and a political transition away from [Syrian President Bashar] Asad,” the statement said.

Obama and Salman pledged to build support for Libya and Yemen to help those war-torn countries and to find ways “that could lead to a de-escalation of tensions” with Iran as they discussed Tehran’s “destabilizing activities” in the region.

By Kasim Ileri

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama met Saudi deputy crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Friday at the White House to discuss the turmoil in the Middle East.

The U.S. has urged the international community to help reconstruct the country.

Noting his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s contributions to the anti-Daesh fight, Obama also exchanged views on Syria with the prince, the White House said.

“They reaffirmed the importance of supporting the cessation of hostilities and a political transition away from [Syrian President Bashar] Asad,” the statement said.