Syria envoy Robert Ford retires, Rubenstein to be named successor
After 30 years as a career foreign service officer US Syria envoy Robert Ford will Retire and is expected to be replaced by US diplomat Daniel Rubenstein.
US Syria envoy Robert Ford retired on Friday after 30 years distinguished service, the State Department announced Friday.
Ford's "extraordinary leadership has guided our response to one of the most formidable foreign policy challenges in the region," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told journalists Friday.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs Lawrence Silverman will temporarily serve as his replacement until a permanent successor is named, Psaki said.
US officials tell Al-Monitor that US diplomat Daniel Rubenstein will be named as Ford’s permanent successor working with the Syrian opposition. Rubenstein, described by colleagues as an “outstanding Arabist,” currently serves as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the State Department Intelligence and Research bureau (INR).
