The Importance of the Middle East Region to the United States, According to General Mark Milley

The Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, during his visit to Jordan, said that it was unthinkable for Washington to abandon the Middle East region, given that Jordan is one of America’s closest allies in the world.

Milley’s Remarks on Jordan’s Importance

Milley added in an interview with Jordan’s Kingdom Channel that “Jordan is one of the best friends of the United States in the Middle East and that Jordanian-American military relations are very close,” noting that “the Jordanian Armed Forces are very professional and efficient, and that the American the army provides training, advice and equipment.”

The United States’ Commitment to the Middle East

He stressed that “the Middle East region is very important to the United States, and it is inconceivable that the United States will ever give up the Middle East.”

He noted that the size of “US military forces in the region is increasing and decreasing depending on the size of the threat”, noting in this context that “ISIS and its ideology has not died despite the elimination of its caliphate, and there are some terrorists roaming the deserts of Syria and to some extent Iraq, and that poses a threat to Jordan.”

And emphasizing that “the fight against terrorism remains the highest interest of the United States,” he pointed out that the size of US forces in Syria is modest and that the withdrawal of US troops from Syria is a political decision taken by the political leadership.

Milley said: “The US military presence in Syria is intended to confirm the defeat of the Islamic State by saying that the US army is not expanding its military presence in Syria.”

The United States’ Stance on Iran

On the Iran issue, Milley emphasized that “the United States is committed to ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.”

Defense Partnership Between Jordan and the United States

King Abdullah II of Jordan met with General Milli during his visit to Jordan, and during the meeting they discussed ways to develop the defense partnership between Jordan and the United States. The meeting also reviewed international efforts to combat terrorism as part of a holistic approach.

Source: Kingdom