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Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs: US Regional Presence Will Not Diminish, We Have Strong Security Partnerships

US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf (Asharq Al-Awsat)
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs: US Regional Presence Will Not Diminish, We Have Strong Security Partnerships

US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf (Asharq Al-Awsat)
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf (Asharq Al-Awsat)

US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf defended Washington’s policy in the Middle East and stressed that her country realizes that its partners in the region face real security threats.

The diplomat revealed that the US Central Command is working to establish an integrated security structure for the Middle East, of which Saudi Arabia is a central part.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Leaf said that the US-Saudi relations have been strategic for decades and over generations. Both the US and the Kingdom are working to ensure that relations remain dynamic, strong, and capable of facing common challenges in the future.

While she reaffirmed that Iran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, Leaf pointed out that Tehran sending drones and other weapons to Russia impacts Gulf security. Alarmingly, Iran may receive support for its defense industry and its ability to further destabilize the region in return for aiding Russia.

Highlighting the strong ties between Washington and Riyadh, Leaf said that this relationship brought countless benefits for the US and Saudi Arabia.

The US-Saudi relationship encompasses multiple interests ranging from regional security to economic cooperation.

According to Leaf, Saudi Arabia is the US’s largest trading partner in the Gulf region, not only in oil and gas but in newer areas as well, such as green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and entertainment.

The US diplomat also pointed to the two countries sharing a robust security partnership, demonstrated recently by the effective deterrence of an Iranian attack on the Kingdom.

More broadly, the US maintains its unwavering commitment to strengthening Saudi defenses and helping to enable security throughout the region, asserted Leaf. Together, the US and Saudi Arabia have fought terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Leaf verified that cooperation with the Kingdom is ongoing and mentioned that high-level meetings took place on Feb. 13 and 16.

A senior US delegation had gone to Riyadh to participate in the talks on defense issues, Iran, and combating terrorism, which reflects, once again, Washington’s permanent commitment to the region and the depth of consultation and cooperation.

Leaf stressed her country’s dedication to helping Saudi Arabia defend its people and lands.

The US is aware that its regional partners face several security threats, which are further complicated by changes in technology.

In recent years, hundreds of cross-border attacks have compromised civilian infrastructure, schools, mosques, and workplaces, putting the civilian population in Saudi Arabia and the neighboring UAE at risk.

This threat also affects tens of thousands of US citizens residing in the Gulf states, noted Leaf, affirming that their safety is one of the highest national security priorities of the US.

Regarding the conflict in Yemen, Leaf said that the US remains committed to supporting a lasting solution through a comprehensive UN-sponsored intra-Yemeni political process that promotes justice and accountability.

She welcomed concerted Saudi efforts to help end the war in Yemen.

These efforts include Saudi support for an UN-mediated truce that produced the most prolonged ceasefire period in Yemen, where the conflict has been raging for over eight years. The treaty delivered tangible benefits to millions of Yemenis.

In the short term, Leaf affirmed that the US is committed to helping alleviate the suffering of millions of Yemenis and supporting the humanitarian response in the country. The US provided nearly $1.1 billion in 2022 alone, which helped prevent tens of thousands of Yemenis from slipping toward famine.

As for reports on the US looking to reduce its military presence in the region, Leaf denied them and stressed that her country enjoys strong security partnerships in the Middle East.

She refuted assertions that the US regional military presence had diminished and reminded that the strong security partnership in the region had led to the success of collaborative work to foil Iranian threats to Saudi Arabia a few months ago.

In 2023, the US conducted one of the most extensive joint exercises in the region in years. Last week, it organized an international naval exercise with over 50 partners, including Saudi Arabia as a major participant.

Leaf said that these military drills prove the notion of diminishing US presence and commitment as patently false.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.