Washington, DC, July 7, 2025 — The Middle East Institute (MEI) is pleased to welcome Amb. David Hale as a Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow. One of the most senior and experienced diplomats in recent US history, Amb. Hale brings unparalleled expertise in Middle East and South Asia policy, honed over nearly four decades of service in the US Foreign Service.
Amb. Hale served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 2018 to 2021, overseeing US foreign relations worldwide and managing all American embassies and diplomatic missions. His previous assignments include serving as US ambassador to Pakistan, Lebanon, and Jordan; Special Envoy for Middle East Peace; and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Levant and Egypt. He holds the rank of Career Ambassador.
“We are honored to have Ambassador Hale join the MEI community,” said Amb. (ret.) Stu Jones, President of MEI. “His breadth of experience and deep understanding of the region — from the Gulf to the Levant to South Asia — will enrich our work and provide valuable insights at a time of great complexity in US foreign policy.”
As a fellow at MEI, Amb. Hale will contribute original analysis and commentary, participate in public events and policy discussions, and engage with audiences in Washington and across the region. He is the author of American Diplomacy Toward Lebanon: Lessons in Middle East Foreign Policy, published by Bloomsbury/I.B. Tauris as part of MEI’s policy series, and is a regular columnist for This Is Beirut.
“Ambassador Hale is one of the finest diplomats I’ve had the privilege of working with,” said Kenneth M. Pollack, MEI Vice President for Policy. “His career reflects a deep commitment to diplomacy, strategic thinking, and steady leadership. We look forward to drawing on his wisdom as we continue to tackle some of the region’s most pressing challenges.”
Amb. Hale’s extensive overseas postings include Israel, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, and he has held senior roles under Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. He is a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and has received numerous honors, including the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award and the Philip C. Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service.
About MEI
Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is America’s leading nonpartisan policy and cultural institute focused on the Middle East. Based in Washington, DC, and working at the intersection of policy, education, and culture, MEI is the leading convener of Middle East experts and officials, fostering dialogue between diverse stakeholders. Its experts provide cutting-edge analysis of a complex region, while its Arts and Culture Center promotes understanding and cultural diplomacy through the universal language of the arts. MEI’s Policy Center boasts a roster of leading regional experts who provide decision-makers with trusted analysis of the region’s challenges and identify opportunities to advance US national interests. MEI’s unique expert cohorts — including its Distinguished Diplomatic Fellows, Distinguished Military Fellows, and newly launched Distinguished Leadership Fellows — bring real-world experience and subject-matter expertise to MEI’s convenings, publications, and strategic dialogues.