David Hale

Ambassador (ret.) David Hale is a Distinguished Global Fellow with the Wilson Center in Washington, DC, after a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Foreign Service, including the rank of Career Ambassador (most senior rank). Ambassador Hale was Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 2018-2021. Previously, he was the Ambassador to Pakistan (2015-2018), Ambassador to Lebanon (2013-2015), Special Envoy for Middle East Peace (2011-2013), Deputy Special Envoy (2009-2011), and Ambassador to Jordan (2005-2008). Earlier, he had multiple tours in Jordan and Lebanon and served in Tunisia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York.

In Washington, Ambassador Hale was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israel, Egypt and the Levant (2008-2009) and Director for Israel-Palestinian Affairs (2001-2003). He held several staff posts, including Executive Assistant to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Ambassador Hale joined the Foreign Service in 1984. He is a recipient of one Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Service and two of Meritorious Service, and several Department Superior and Meritorious Honor awards.

Ambassador Hale speaks Arabic, is a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and is a native of New Jersey.

Recent Publications:
“Lessons in Foreign Policy and the Middle East by Ambassador David Hale”, The Wilson Center, February 23, 2024
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNUyYN7rq4EI