A senior US general is scheduled to tour the Middle East to emphasize the importance of deterring escalation and protecting US forces in the region. The US Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Saturday that General CQ Brown will visit Egypt, Jordan and Israel in the coming days, where he will meet with his counterparts and a number of officials to discuss the situation and tensions in the region. The Joint Chiefs of Staff statement indicated that Brown's visit demonstrates the long-term US commitment to the Middle East. The statement stressed that General Brown will reaffirm the importance of deterring escalation and protecting US forces in the region, and Washington's support for Israel in defending itself and coordinating efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians. The statement also explained that the visit reflects the importance of reaching an agreement that returns the hostages, ends the violence and allows the entire region to focus on the next steps towards a more secure and stable Middle Ea st. Source: National Iraqi News Agency