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Mitchell, Holbrooke Named Special Envoys

Former senator gets Mideast portfolio; ex-ambassador Afghanistan and Pakistan

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 22, 2009 3:11 PM CST

(Newser) – President Obama and newly minted Secretary of State Hillary Clinton moved quickly today to build the administration’s diplomatic efforts, naming George Mitchell and Richard Holbrooke special envoys, Reuters reports; both appointments were expected. Former Sen. Mitchell will focus on facilitating peace talks between Israel and Palestine, while ex-UN ambassador Holbrooke will address issues in war-torn Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Obama has pledged to help Israel and the Palestinians, and to conduct a thorough review of the situation in Afghanistan. Both diplomats have extensive peacemaking experience in Europe and the Middle East. “Today, we start the hard work to restore our standing and enable our country to meet the vexing new challenges of the 21st century,” Clinton said. “We must be smarter about how we exercise our power.”

Richard Holbrooke, former US ambassador to the UN.
Richard Holbrooke, former US ambassador to the UN.   (AP Photo)
Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell.
Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell.   (AP Photo)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks during a welcoming ceremony at the State Department.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks during a welcoming ceremony at the State Department.   (AP Photo)
Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama signs an executive order closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay.
President Barack Obama signs an executive order closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay.   (AP Photo)
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