US President Barack Obama announced Tuesday that he would nominate Robert Ford, a career diplomat, to become the first US ambassador to Damascus since 2005, indicating an improvement in US-Syrian relations as Obama reached his second year in the presidency.
If the Senate confirms the nomination, Ford would represent the interests of the United States as it aims to restore diplomatic relations with a country bordering both Israel and Iraq.
According to White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, “Ambassador Ford is a highly accomplished diplomat with many years of experience in the Middle East”. He added: “His appointment represents President Obama’s commitment to use engagement to advance US interests by improving communication with the Syrian government and people”.
Obama had prioritised the transformation of the image of the United States in the Middle East during his first year in power. He went to Egypt to speak about connecting with the Muslim community. He has also met with both Palestinian and Israeli leaders at the White House. However, a peace pact between the two countries is still unachievable.
Foreign policy advisers in the Obama administration said that the US was placing an ambassador in Damascus as a sign of its search for regional partners that could help in promoting peace in the Middle East. The announcement was said to be the highlight of the engagement of Washington with the Arab nation during Obama’s visit to Egypt.
“If confirmed by the Senate, Ambassador Ford will engage the Syrian government on how we can enhance relations, while addressing areas of ongoing concern,” added Gibbs.
The rocky relationship of Syria with the US had begun to improve after Obama took office in January 2009.
