Martin Sean Indyk

Widely recognized strategic thinker and diplomat with deep knowledge of the Middle East and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Contributed significantly to shaping U.S. policy and the promotion of American interests throughout the region. Served as U.S. Ambassador to Israel (twice), adviser to Secretary of State Clinton and Special Middle East Envoy George Mitchell on the Middle East peace process, and plays a similar role today with Secretary of State Kerry. Earlier served as special assistant to President Clinton, senior director for Near East and South Asian affairs in the National Security Council, and assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs. Most recent book, Bending History: Barack Obama's Foreign Policy, (2012, with Lieberthal and O'Hanlon), received plaudits for its comprehensive and insightful analysis of President Obama's first term foreign policy. Earlier book, Innocent Abroad: An Intimate Account of American Peacemaking Diplomacy in the Middle East, (2009) provides an account of American diplomacy towards the Middle East during the Clinton Administration.