Holbrooke is Dead

Amb. Richard Holbrooke died this evening at George Washington University Hospital in DC of an aortic tear he suffered last Friday at the State Department. There will be a lot written about him in coming hours and days, and you will be able to learn a lot about American diplomacy over the last 50 years by reading it. For now, here are the Secretary of State’s comments at an informal gathering earlier today as he was dying:

December 13, 2010
2010/1810

Remarks

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
At Holiday Reception for the Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions to the United States

December 13, 2010
Ben Franklin Room
Washington, D.C.

Ambassador Richard Holbrooke has been a giant of the diplomatic corps for almost 50 years.  He is practically synonymous with American foreign policy of that time period.  He’s taken on the hardest assignments, from Vietnam to the Balkans to Afghanistan and Pakistan.  And this week, his doctors are learning what diplomats and dictators around the world have long known:  There’s nobody tougher than Richard Holbrooke.  He’s a fierce negotiator.  I’m sure there are some shoulders here tonight that are still a little bit sore from his arm-twisting.

But he is a fiercer friend and a beloved mentor and an invaluable counselor.  He has been a friend of mine for many years and I am deeply grateful for his presence and support.  When I came to the State Department, I was delighted to be able to bring Richard in and give him one of the most difficult challenges that any diplomat can face.  And he immediately put together an absolutely world class staff.  It represents what we believe should be the organizational model for the future – people not only from throughout our own government, but even representatives from other governments all working together.  And we know that with Richard, loyalty runs deep and it runs both ways.  So tonight, our thoughts and prayers are with Ambassador Holbrooke, his wife Kati, their family, who are here with us as well.

And a more formal statement just now after his death:

Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke passed away this evening, surrounded by his wife, Kati, his sons David and Anthony, his step-children Elizabeth and Chris Jennings, his daughter-in-law Sarah, and the rest of their family.

Secretary Clinton released the following statement on his passing:

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON

Passing of Richard Holbrooke

Tonight America has lost one of its fiercest champions and most dedicated public servants. Richard Holbrooke served the country he loved for nearly half a century, representing the United States in far-flung war-zones and high-level peace talks, always with distinctive brilliance and unmatched determination. He was one of a kind — a true statesman — and that makes his passing all the more painful.

From his early days in Vietnam to his historic role bringing peace to the Balkans to his last mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard helped shape our history, manage our perilous present, and secure our future. He was the consummate diplomat, able to stare down dictators and stand up for America’s interests and values even under the most difficult circumstances.  He served at every level of the Foreign Service and beyond, helping mentor generations of talented officers and future ambassadors. Few people have ever left a larger mark on the State Department or our country. From Southeast Asia to post-Cold War Europe and around the globe, people have a better chance of a peaceful future because of Richard’s lifetime of service.

I had the privilege to know Richard for many years and to call him a friend, colleague and confidante.  As Secretary of State, I have counted on his advice and relied on his leadership.  This is a sad day for me, for the State Department and for the United States of America.

True to form, Richard was a fighter to the end. His doctors marveled at his strength and his willpower, but to his friends, that was just Richard being Richard. I am grateful for the tireless efforts of all the medical staff, and to everyone who sat by his side or wished him well in these final days.

Tonight my thoughts and prayers are with Richard’s beloved wife Kati, his sons David and Anthony, his step-children Elizabeth and Chris Jennings, his daughter-in-law Sarah, and all of his countless friends and colleagues.

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