U.S. to Reopen Embassy in Cuba, for Now Without an Ambassador

[brooklynite]

Foreign Policy:

That the United States is finally ready to reopen its embassy in Cuba comes as little surprise; U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration had hoped to plant its diplomatic flag in Havana back in April, more than a half-century since the two nations severed relations. But Obama’s announcement Wednesday was absent a salient detail: a decision on who will serve as the ambassador.

For months, U.S. officials and experts believed career diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the chief of mission at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, had the inside track on the ambassador post in Cuba. But in recent days, former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) has been floated as a potential leading candidate for a job that will be among the highest-profile State Department missions for the rest of Obama’s term. Dodd was an early proponent of relaxing sanctions on Cuba.

A senior administration official did not immediately respond when asked whether Dodd was on the shortlist, and several officials said a decision about who would serve as ambassador was not imminent.

[Fuddnik]

1. Chris Dodd

The Douglas Feith of the Senate. Dumb as a box of rocks.