The US Senate voted on Wednesday overwhelmingly after a month of deliberations to confirm retired General John Abizaid as the US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, filling a vital position vacant since President Donald Trump took office more than two years ago.
Abizaid was nominated for the position in November 2018. But the Senate began deliberations on the nomination in February when he succeeded in diplomatically maneuvering against the questions of Congressmen at his confirmation hearing.
He said it would be a “great honor” to work on strengthening the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia.
He added that Saudi Arabia's contribution to tackling extremism had effectively cut off funding networks for ISIS.
At the hearing, Abizaid was able to safely overcome all obstacles, leading to his nomination on Wednesday.
Abizaid is a fluent Arabic speaker of Lebanese descent. He was the longest-serving commander of US Central Command, holding that post from 2003 until he retired in 2007.
