[DoodleDawg]

Although the North Korean nuclear crisis is the Trump administration’s top priority, the administration has yet to nominate an assistant secretary for East Asia or an ambassador to South Korea, crucial positions to deal with the issue.

In the midst of the war in Syria and growing worries over a possible conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, there is no confirmed assistant secretary for Near Eastern affairs or ambassadors to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt or Qatar. And as Zimbabwe confronts the future after the departure of Robert Mugabe, the department is lacking a confirmed assistant secretary for African affairs or an ambassador to neighboring South Africa.

I can understand the need to streamline the State department but why are these all unimportant positions given what's going on there?

[Sacajaweau]

"assistant secretary" jobs....

Do we really need these?? What do they do....Make copies??

[GailA]

Could be a good way to get rid of a RINO congresscritter. Being an AMB. carries more weight and salary than a Rep. makes. And empties that seat for a conservative governor to appoint a conservative Rep. Just a thought.

[Popman]

I can understand the need to streamline the State department but why are these all unimportant positions given what's going on there?

The key word you overlooked is "confirmed"

They are many positions nominated but waiting on the Senate to be "confirmed"

Of course that's Trumps fault / S

[thirst4truth]

I can understand the need to streamline the State department but why are these all unimportant positions given what's going on there?

Ok, I have heard one story on the nominated Ambassadors, 8 is what I heard. Senator Corker is in charge, he is chairman of the Foreing Relations committee and getting Trumps Ambassador nominations through. He is holding them up, Richard Grenier was nominated months ago, to be Germanys Ambassador? not exactly sure which countries.

[Elsie]

...yet to nominate an assistant secretary for East Asia ...

I see what you did here!