Saudi Arabia says it will host a meeting with regional partners and the United States to discuss counterterrorism efforts.

The gathering is set for Thursday in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

Representatives from Egypt, Turkey, Jordan and members of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council are expected to take part.

Saudi Arabia is reported to be deeply concerned by the Islamic State’s rapid territorial gains.  Some analysts believe the kingdom is worried the militant group that has overrun portions of Iraq and Syria could lure Saudi citizens to their radical cause.  

The United States, which has launched air strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq, would like Gulf Arab states to take military action as well.  Washington has also urged regional leaders to support Sunni Muslim moderates in Iraq and Syria to counter the appeal of the fundamentalist Islamic State.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is traveling to Saudi Arabia and Jordan this week for talks with Gulf leaders and is expected to push for regional action against the militant group.
…