December 14, 2010

Richard Holbrooke, RIP

I landed at Dulles this morning at 5:15 having just returned from Kabul and read the news of Richard Holbrooke's passing just after the plane touched down. I am not sure what will become of the position of Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. If one tries to replace Holbrooke the man, it will be difficult. You would have to drag Ryan Crocker out of retirement or something. But maybe the position will evolve into something different -- less a "super envoy" and more a D.C. coordination cell for U.S. policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Regardless, I join others in mourning the loss of a true and tireless public servant.