U.S. Senate Confirms New Iraq Ambassador

James Jeffrey

The U.S. Senate has unanimously confirmed career American diplomat James Jeffrey to be Washington's new ambassador to Iraq.

Following the confirmation on August 5, Jeffrey, who has been serving as U.S. ambassador to Turkey, is now set to replace Christopher Hill as Washington's top envoy in Baghdad.

Before being appointed to his post in Ankara, Jeffrey served as a deputy national security advisor and an assistant to the president in George W. Bush's administration.

His experience also includes previous diplomatic postings in Baghdad, including as deputy chief of mission and charge d'affaires in 2004-2005, as well as other postings in the Middle East and Europe.

Jeffrey's confirmation follows President Barack Obama's pledge earlier this week that the United States will end combat operations in Iraq by the end of this month.

compiled from agency reports