Richard Holbrooke, President Barack Obama's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, has died. Holbrooke, a lifelong diplomat, died after undergoing a procedure to repair a torn aorta. In addition to his work on Afghanistan and Pakistan, Holbrooke helped bring peace to the Balkans as the chief architect of the Dayton Accords. The Guardian reports that Holbrooke's death is a significant blow to the Obama administration, happening the day before the administration is scheduled to announce the latest review of U.S. policy in Afghanistan. Holbrooke would have been central to helping steer the U.S. out of Afghanistan, by gradually reducing involvement in the country and transferring responsibility to the Afghan military forces.
Obama praised the veteran diplomat as "a true giant of American foreign policy" in a statement released last night, and as "a truly unique figure who will be remembered for his tireless diplomacy, love of country, and pursuit of peace." Richard Holbrooke was 69.
Read more at the Guardian.