Ambassador Thomas Pickering discusses the desperate need for a more robust State Department budget and a greater civilian role in foreign policy planning. Alas, we did not get into l’affair Chas Freeman, as the interview was taped a few days prior to the publication of a letter in support of Freeman, signed by Ambassador Pickering and other former diplomats and foreign policy luminaries, in the Wall Street Journal.
I always enjoy my conversations with Ambassador Pickering–who has served at the UN, the State Department, and in posts all around the world. Thanks again to the Ambassador for making the time.