George Mitchell, Richard Holbrooke named as special envoys

[Coexist]

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/01/obama_names_envoys_for_mideast_afghanistan.php

In a flurry of diplomatic activity in his first week in office, U.S. President Barack Obama named special envoys for two of the world's hot spots: the Middle East and the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.

He chose George Mitchell, a former senator and seasoned international trouble-shooter, as an envoy who will try to jumpstart moribund Arab-Israeli peace talks.

Obama also tapped former ambassador to the United Nations Richard Holbrooke as a special envoy for Afghanistan, Pakistan and related issues.

(Writing by Caren Bohan; Editing by Sandra Maler)

Source: Reuters North

[Winterblues]

1. Sometimes it is really good to go with experience.

I can not think of anyone better than these two other than maybe Bill Richardson, Or Jimmy Carter and I am fairly certain he would not want the job.

[sfpcjock]

2. All this and Hillary

who showed up and head of Foggy Bottom and all its little bible school graduates. It's going to need a lot of work, not to mention the challenges of diplomacy. The President's remarks are worth listening to later on C-Span or in excerpt for their inspiration and authority.

a younger George Mitchell

[EFerrari]

3. Why Richard Holbrooke?

He's horrible. East Timor, NED, Countrywide. He couldn't be further up the imperial nose without being snorted from a spoon. Whatever.