Intel: Former US ambassador to UAE to join McGurk on National Security Council
Barbara Leaf is set to join other Obama-era officials with established Middle East policy credentials.
Barbara Leaf, the former US ambassador to the United Arab Emirates during the Barack Obama administration, is expected to be named to President-elect Joe Biden’s National Security Council, Vox reported.
If selected, Leaf will join former envoy to the coalition to defeat the Islamic State Brett McGurk, who was named the incoming NSC’s coordinator for the Middle East last week.
Why it matters: Leaf brings extensive experience in US policy toward the Gulf, having previously served as the State Department’s top official for the Arabian Peninsula, and prior to that in the same role for Iraq, under the Obama administration. She was also the State Department’s first director of Iranian affairs.
Her reported selection is the latest sign Biden is choosing established Middle East policy professionals and placing a high priority on diplomatic engagement with Iran.
