WaPo’s Glenn Kessler on Dennis Ross
The Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler (who will also be appearing at NIAC’s upcoming conference on Capitol Hill) was asked to share his views of Amb. Dennis Ross, President Obama’s point person on Iran at the State Department. Kessler is familiar with much of the criticism that Ross faced prior to joining the Administration–much of which […]
Iran review preview…
The Obama administration’s Iran policy review, headed up by Amb. Dennis Ross, is scheduled to be completed by the end of next week. From media accounts and the Beltway rumor mill, we have been given a glimpse into what might come out of it.
State Dept announces Ross appointment
From Politico’s Ben Smith: The State Department, finally, announced the appointment of Dennis Ross, with the title “Special Advisor to the Secretary of State for The Gulf and Southwest Asia.” Ross’s portfolio seems, technically at least, to keep him from stepping on George Mitchell’s toes in Israel and Palestine, not that he won’t have […]
Breaking: Ross not envoy to Iran
Photo: Scott J. Ferrell / Congressional Quarterly / Getty NBC’s Andrea Mitchell is reporting that Dennis Ross will not be appointed Obama’s special envoy to Iran, and that he will instead act as a “strategic advisor” on Iran and the Persian Gulf at the State Department. After months of speculation, it appears that the Obama […]
A Critical Decision in the Midst of the New Administration
Obama has taken office. His first day was filled with phone calls to the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the president of the Palestinian Authority. It is evident that Obama is making an early effort to deal with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, an effort that was lacking in the administration of George. W. Bush. Yet, […]
Update: Dennis Ross to serve as MidEast “Ambassador at Large”; or is he?
It seems that Dennis Ross’ role in the Obama administration will not be confined to the Iran portfolio as had earlier been suspected. Bloomberg, AP and others are reporting that Ross will be in charge of the entire Middle East, acting as sort of a “regional Secretary of State.” No word yet on who will […]
Sources confirming Dennis Ross appointment as Iran envoy
According to Marc Ambinder, transition officials are confirming now that Dennis Ross will be appointed as the chief envoy to Iran under President Obama. Though it’s not official until the administration announces it formally, this is looking like a done deal. Ross is best known for his work as chief negotiator on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict […]