Kerry heads to Mideast for talks on Islamic State

LARA JAKES
AP National Security Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Saudi Arabia and Jordan this week to meet with Mideast leaders about confronting threats from the Islamic State militant group.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki (SAH’-kee) said the meetings with will focus on how the region can contribute to a new crackdown against the Islamic State.

She also left open the possibility that Kerry will meet with other Mideast leaders.

Kerry’s travels will come as President Barack Obama outlines a broader U.S. strategy on Wednesday to degrade and destroy the Islamic State.

Kerry will be in the region when Iraq is expected to seat a new government that is hoped to ease sectarian tensions in the country.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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