High ranking Obama Administration officials meet with the Mitchell Scholars

Jim Steinberg, Deputy Secretary of State; Jane Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; and Lt. General Doug Lute, Deputy National Security Adviser for Iraq and Afghanistan, took time out of their very busy schedules to spend time with Mitchell Scholars last week.

Jim met with the Scholars at the Department of State where he discussed the Obama Administration’s foreign policy goals and frustrations. As was the case with Northern Ireland, he noted that change usually does not come until the people on the ground demand it from their leadership. He compared the differences and similarities in working at State since his last stint in the Department during the Clinton Administration. He also talked about the honor of working with both President Obama and Secretary Clinton – as well as Senator Mitchell, again -- and how the positive feelings much of the world has about this Administration create great opportunities but also high expectations.

In addition to addressing the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Jim fielded the Mitchells’ questions about Bosnia, uranium enrichment efforts, rendition, and North Korea. He also talked about the difficulties involved in communication when translation is required and the importance of language – he gave an example of something that doesn’t translate easily into Chinese and how it is important to take the time to find the right words to best convey what you intend to convey.

Jim, who sat on the committee to select the sixth class of Mitchell Scholars, said that he has a special fondness for the program. He noted the role such programs play in positively building relationships around the world and how the importance of programs such as these is one thing everyone can agree on.

That evening, Jane Holl Lute and Doug Lute joined the Scholars for drinks at the Dupont Hotel. Jane helped select the first class of Mitchell Scholars ten years ago. Before moving to the Department of Homeland Security, she served as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Peacekeeping Operations, managing operational support for the second-largest deployed military presence in the world. Jane and Alliance President Trina Vargo worked together during the Clinton Administration when Jane worked on the Northern Ireland issue as a member of the National Security Council staff and Trina was Senator Kennedy’s foreign policy adviser. Trina later accompanied Jane to meet leaders of Ireland and Northern Ireland when Jane headed the Carnegie Commission on Preventing Deadly Conflict.