U.S. to return envoy to Syria after five-year absence

Reuters ^ | February 16, 2010 | Ross Colvin

[Cheap_Hessian]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama took a major step toward improving strained ties with Syria on Tuesday, announcing his intention to reappoint a U.S. ambassador to Damascus after a five-year absence.

The White House said Obama had nominated career diplomat Robert Ford to the post. The nomination must still be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The United States withdrew its ambassador from Damascus in 2005 after the assassination in Beirut of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri. Syria's foes in Lebanon accused Damascus of involvement, a charge Syria denied.

[hinckley buzzard]

Why hold out for a quid pro quo when you can just give it away?

[Shermy]

John Kerry and Biden promised Obama that only he could talk to the Muslim world and instruct them in the correct form of their religion. Obama believed it. Together with his “magical liberal” belief in himself that he has a special understanding about the world Bush did not, (reset button!) his confidence was shattered that the Iranians saw his ceaseless letters as a message of weakness and resisted the magical liberal charms.

Ever since, he (and Kerry) have struggled to find ways to get them to “like” us, and to prove liberals have special empathies non-liberals do not. New business exchange programs, even getting NASA to help. All in pursuit of satisfying the narcissism of the Obama and his crew.

Sounds crazy, but true.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/statement-press-secretary-naming-robert-ford-us-ambassador-damascus

Home • Briefing Room • Statements & Releases

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 16, 2010
Statement by the Press Secretary on Naming Robert Ford as U.S. Ambassador to Damascus

“Ambassador Ford is a highly accomplished diplomat with many years of experience in the Middle East. His appointment represents President Obama’s commitment to use engagement to advance U.S. interests by improving communication with the Syrian government and people. If confirmed by the Senate, Ambassador Ford will engage the Syrian government on how we can enhance relations, while addressing areas of ongoing concern.”