‘General and the Ambassador’ discuss Syria

In the latest episode of “The General and the Ambassador: A Conversation” podcast host Ambassador (Ret.) Deborah McCarthy discusses the front lines in Syria with Ambassador William Roebuck and Brigadier General Jasper Jeffers. Together, they examine how the U.S. diplomatic team in northeastern Syria was embedded and partnered with U.S. Special Forces, and the pushback of ISIS working with the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF). They also discuss managing encounters with Russian troops, the major fallout of U.S. acquiescence of Turkey’s 2019 invasion to drive the SDF forces away from the border, and prospects for a political solution to the unwinnable war and lessons learned on U.S. diplomatic and military cooperation in conflict areas.

Ambassador William “Bill” Roebuck is the executive vice president of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, D.C. He most recently served as the deputy special envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and a senior advisor to the Special Representative for Syria Engagement Ambassador James Jeffrey. Prior to his appointment, Roebuck served as a senior advisor to Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk from January to December 2018.

Brigadier General Jasper Jeffers commanded a Brigade within the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq/Syria. He previously served as an Advisor to the Commander of Operation Resolute Support while deployed to Afghanistan. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star with Valor. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Podcast producer and host Ambassador (retired) Deborah McCarthy was the 2018 DACOR Visiting Professor of Diplomacy for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. The DACOR Visiting Professor of Diplomacy Program is conducted in partnership with the Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired, Inc. (DACOR) organization located in Washington D.C., and the Command and General Staff College Foundation. Several times a year retired senior officials, usually Ambassadors with extensive diplomatic experience, visit Fort Leavenworth to interact with U.S. Army Command and General Staff College students and faculty, and provide a Department of State and Chief of Mission perspective to the curriculum. During their visit the DACOR Visiting Professors of Diplomacy also interact with area universities and civic organizations discussing policy, regional, and political expertise, as well as speaking about careers in the Foreign Service.

“The General and the Ambassador: A Conversation” podcast promotes interagency cooperation and is produced by the American Academy of Diplomacy.

To learn more and listen to the podcast, please follow the link below.
The Front Lines in Syria with General Jasper Jeffers and Ambassador William Roebuck


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