George Mitchell (Chief Middle East Envoy) & Dennis Ross (Middle East Envoy): US State Department

As the Arab Spring revolutions in the Middle East unfolded it was clear that a new era of democracy would appear. What wouldwill it be? During a period of democratic upheaval and change, Washington would want to provide stability and consistency to the region, if not leverage the opportunity. Instead, two of the State Department’s top ranking Middle East appointments resigned between May and November. At a delicate juncture, the White HouseHilary Clinton was forced to react to losing replace leaders with expertise on, and familiarity with, officials in Israel, Iran, and Palestine. Ross advised the White House since the Carter administration on affairs in the Middle East. Mitchell previously worked to broker peace in Northern Ireland. After several starts and stops, , but he lost his lost hope of for future success in the Middle East. As it often does with high-performing staff, the frustration of gridlock likely drove his resignation. Ross advised the White House since the Carter administration on affairs in the Middle East. These departures will impact the United States’ policies in the Middle East and already slowed the course of peace in the region.