Senate unanimously confirmed Ford as Ambassador to Syria

[karynnj]

This may be one of the biggest wins for Obama (and Kerry) that no one will ever hear about. Both Obama and Kerry took many attacks from the right, especially neocons, for wanting an Ambassador in Syria. Ford has been incredible through these last awful months there. Obviously Republicans, who fought his confirmation last year, agreed to confirm him without a voice vote. This shows they either know they were wrong.

This is in an article where the main topic is Kerry calling for more UN pressure on Syria. Kerry called the confirmation a "hard message for Assad"

Ford "embodies American solidarity with the Syrian people. Despite even being physically attacked and assaulted by the regime's goons, Ford continues courageously to visit cities under military siege and speak truth to power," said Kerry.

To read more: http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=318205#ixzz1ZpOPokty

[karynnj]

1. Washington Post coverage on this - great Kerry quotes

Sen. John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Ford’s presence “in Damascus applies far more pressure than his symbolic withdrawal would have” and he praised him for continuing to visit cities under siege and “speak truth to power.”
<snip>
Kerry, D-Mass., said Ford has been steadfast “despite even being physically attacked and assaulted by the regime’s goons.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/national-security/kerry-senate-approval-of-us-ambassador-to-syria-sends-tough-message-to-assad-government/2011/10/04/gIQAroeFLL_story.html