Jeffrey will be "coordinating policy on all aspects of the conflict in Syria and our support for a political solution," Pompeo said in a statement. "Ambassador Jeffrey’s distinguished diplomatic career makes him an outstanding choice for this role."
The conflict in #Syria has continued for far too long. @StateDept will spare no effort to facilitate an enduring diplomatic and political solution, including constitutional reform & elections under UNSCR 2254. We will work to help achieve a brighter future for the Syrian people.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) August 17, 2018
A former ambassador to Turkey and Iraq and 35-year of the Foreign Service, Jeffrey brings to the role extensive experience serving presidents of both parties and maintains a strong reputation in Washington as an expert on Middle East policy. He is also known for blunt talk, and has spared none of his former superiors– nor his future boss– from sharp criticism.
Last month, before US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Jeffrey told The Jerusalem Post that he expected Trump would attempt to trade a softer policy on Moscow’s annexation of Crimea for Russian help evicting Iran from the Syrian battlefield– a tall order, he concluded.
"It runs against several problems," said Jeffrey. "Trump is seeming to offer some sort of recognition of Crimea– but there’s a whole set of sanctions that are congressional, and a whole set that are European. Neither will not go along with this. And how are the Russians going to get the Iranians out?"
The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Jeffrey’s recent remarks. But Heather Nauert, the department spokesman, offered only excitement and praise for Jeffrey’s appointment at a briefing earlier in the day.
"Jeffrey will work closely with the under secretary of state for political affairs, once confirmed, as well as the Near Eastern and European bureaus on this issue," Nauert said, highlighting their interest in renewing US efforts to conclude a political process under way in Geneva toward ending the Syrian war.
"Given all the countries and the issues involved, from terrorism to refugees, these matters obviously cut across geographic bureaus, and therefore this requires a high level of coordination," Nauert said.
Jeffrey rejoins the State Department from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where he has served as a distinguished fellow for several years.
Jeffrey’s position was created by Pompeo himself, after the secretary earlier this week launched an action group on Iran policy to be led by Brian Hook, another new special envoy.
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