Retired General John Abizaid has been nominated by President Trump as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, a position that has been open for several years.
Abizaid’s credentials are impressive and make him and ideal choice for this position:
- A former US Central Command commander who has a long background in the Middle East and its wars.
- Opposed the Iranian nuclear program but also urged Israeli restraint in confronting it.
- Saw some of Hezbollah’s first terrorist attacks as an observer for the UN in 1985 and has spoken about the threat of terrorism in the region.
Abizaid’s nomination as ambassador to Saudi Arabia comes at a crucial juncture for US-Saudi relations and also Riyadh’s role in the region.