The outgoing US Ambassador to Kuwait Douglas Silliman

KUWAIT: US Ambassador to Kuwait Douglas Silliman ended his tenure in Kuwait yesterday. Ambassador Silliman took up the Kuwait post in August 2014.

He will be moving to his new role as US Ambassador to Iraq, replacing current Ambassador Stuart Jones. In Kuwait, Ambassador Silliman will be replaced by longtime diplomat Lawrence R Silverman, Kuwait ambassador designate. Silverman, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State (DAS) in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the Department of State, a position he has held since 2014.

Silverman is well known as a strategic policy thinker with a deep understanding of foreign policy issues in Europe and the Middle East. He also is known for his outstanding ability to articulate U.S. policy, his advocacy overseas for democratic and economic reforms, and excellent interpersonal and managerial skills that build strong teams and foster respect for colleagues.

Silverman’s background and skills make him an excellent choice for U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait. Previously, Silverman served as Acting DAS for Near Eastern Affairs (2012-2014), Director of the Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs (2012-2014), and Special Advisor to the Vice President (2011- 2012).

Prior to that, he served in the Bureau of European Affairs as Director of the Office of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus Affairs (2009-2011), and as Deputy Director in the Office of Assistance to Europe and Eurasia (2008-2009). Silverman also served as Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Bratislava, Slovakia (2005-2008), Deputy Director of the Office of Southern European Affairs (2002-2004), and Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (2001-2002). He also served as Deputy Political Counselor, U.S. Embassy Ankara, Turkey (2000-2001).

Earlier assignments include service in Syria, Jordan and South Africa, and in other positions in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. Silverman earned a B.A. from Brandeis University and an M.A. from Duke University. He has won numerous Department of State performance awards. His languages are Arabic, Turkish and Slovak.