As Afghanistan and its citizens face chaos and an uncertain future, Career Ambassador Ryan Crocker, speaks with CIR Interim Executive Director Jim Falk. Ambassador Crocker retired from the Foreign Service in April 2009 after a career of over 37 years In January 2002, he was sent to Afghanistan to reopen the American Embassy. In 2011, he was recalled to active duty by President Obama as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. He has served as U.S. Ambassador six times: Afghanistan (2011-2012), Iraq (2007-2009), Pakistan (2004-2007), Syria (1998-2001), Kuwait (1994-1997), and Lebanon (1990-1993).
Ambassador Crocker is a member of the Advisory Board of No One Left Behind, a non-profit organization devoted to reforming the State Department’s 14-step SIV (Special Immigration Visa) process which has received special attention over the last few weeks as thousands of Afghan citizens have sought safe passage out of Afghanistan.