Retired Air Force Major General Scott Gration will be the new U.S. special envoy to Sudan.
The reaction from the experts and media commentators has been generally positive. Tim Fernholz at The American Prospect writes:
“Many take heart in Gration’s strong personal relationship with President Obama; Gration was an early supporter and national security adviser during the campaign who bonded with Obama on a 15-day trip through Africa. One general rule of thumb about special envoys, who exist somewhat outside the typical State Department bureaucracy, is that they are only as successful abroad as they are influential back in Washington. At first glance, it seems that Gration passes that test. Gration actually grew up in Africa and has spent substantial time there as an adult. But he isn’t a career diplomat, so there is some concern that the tricky political situation in the region may prove a challenge. On the other hand, if anyone could argue successfully for a no-fly zone over the conflict-ridden territory, it would be a former Air Force general. Appointing a military man to speak for the U.S. in the region is certainly a pointed sign to the Khartoum regime.”
For more, see this roundup from Michelle over at Change.org. Barron YoungSmith at The New Republic has also weighed in on the pick.
