Kerry Seeks Arab Leaders’ Support in Saudi Arabia Against ’Daesh’

Local Editor

US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived for talks aimed at building a coalition with Arab states and Turkey against so-called "Daesh" [ISIL] in the Saudi city of Jeddah on Thursday.

According to a senior US State Department official at the talks, he said Kerry is asking Arab leaders to use nationally-owned media as well as their religious establishments to speak out against Daesh extremism in hopes of undermining its appeal to young recruits.

The top US diplomat, touring the Middle East to establish a coalition of more than 40 countries, is to meet with counterparts from 10 key Arab nations and Turkey on measures to defeat Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
In addition to Saudi leaders, Kerry is meeting in Jeddah with officials from Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

The senior State Department official said the coalition may need enhanced military basing and overflights for airstrikes against Daesh.

Kerry is also asking for better efforts to stop individuals from sending money to extremist groups, as the US official said financial enforcement by Kuwait and Qatar has been "spotty."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team