WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama’s national security adviser is heading to the Middle East this week.
The White House says retired Gen. Jim Jones will meet with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Israel and in the Palestinian territories. National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer said Monday that the White House’s security chief will discuss a full range of issues.
The trip comes as the United States ramps up pressure against suspected terrorists in the region after a botched Christmas Day attack on a Detroit-bound airplane. An al-Qaida affiliate has claimed responsibility.
The suspect is accused of receiving training in Yemen, Saudi Arabia’s neighbor to the south.
The United States is also looking for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
