The Foreign Service Journal, March 2007

itary activities is increasingly difficult, according to one ambassador. In posts throughout the world, civilian staff point to the “Iraq tax” and cite instances of civilian job slots emptied and remaining unfilled as personnel and resources are funneled into the effort in Iraq. … Recommendations Role of the Ambassador. In the campaign against terror, the leadership qualities of the U.S. ambassador have become a determinative factor in victory or fail- ure. • It is imperative that the U.S. ambassador provide strong leadership, steady oversight and a firm hand on the component parts of all counterterrorism activities in U.S. embassies overseas. This includes the authority to challenge and override directives from other government agencies in Washington to their resident or temporary staffs in the embassy. • The president must send to the Senate as nominees for ambassadorships only those candidates who are qual- ified for the sensitive and important post-9/11 role of U.S. ambassador. • In considering the president’s nominees, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and subsequently the full Senate, should renew a commitment to insist on the qual- ities of experienced judgment, knowledge of interagency missions and activities, and a solid grounding in the cul- ture and politics of the region to which the candidate is expected to be assigned. • The SFRC, during the confirmation process, should make it clear that members will hold the regional assis- tant secretaries and the ambassador accountable for mishaps or setbacks that could have been avoided through informed and engaged leadership in-country. • Ambassadors should be charged with the decision whether to approve all military-related programs imple- mented in-country. That would include Section 1206 security assistance, humanitarian and development assis- tance, and other programs and operations. In countries with MISTs (Military Information Support Teams), the F O C U S M A R C H 2 0 0 7 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 59 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA S I NCE 1 9 7 1 2007 represents our 37 th year helping to maintain America’s fleet of vehicles throughout the world. All of us at D & M consider it an honor to have worked with all of you through these years. We are aware of the importance of your official and private vehicles, forklifts, generators, tools and equipment. We look forward to continuing this service in a professional manner. We are here to help, just ask! Gary Vlahov www.dmauto.com (516) 822-6662; FAX: (516) 822-5020; E-mail: info@dmauto.com