Edward S. Walker, Jr.

Edward S. Walker, Jr. "is an Adjunct Scholar at the Middle East Institute’s public policy center. Ambassador Walker served as MEI’s President and CEO for over five years, from 2001 until August 2006.

"Prior to that post, Walker served in the first Administration of George W. Bush as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, a position he had previously held under Madeleine Albright during the second Clinton Administration. During that time he helped initiate and negotiate US policy toward Iraq, including a complete revision of US sanctions policy. He also engaged in recalibrating US policies toward Iran and the Middle East peace process.

"Walker’s diplomatic career includes positions as US Ambassador to Israel (1997-1999), the Arab Republic of Egypt (1994-1997), and the United Arab Emirates (1989-1992), as well as Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations (1992-1993). In the course of his 35-year career, Walker has worked with every Israeli Prime Minister since Golda Meir, with Presidents Anwar Sadat and Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Hafez al-Assad and Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Kings Fahd and Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, and Kings Hussein and Abdullah of Jordan, among others. During his time as Ambassador in Israel, Walker worked closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu in preparation for and during the Wye negotiations. In Egypt he worked with US Vice President Gore and President Mubarak on a major initiative to reform the Egyptian economy. Walker also worked with US and Egyptian intelligence officials to counter terrorist threats in Egypt.

"Walker currently serves on the faculty at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. where he was appointed the Christian A. Johnson Distinguished Professorship in Global and Political Theory."


 * Director, American Academy of Diplomacy
 * Member, Aspen Institute / Middle East Strategy Group
 * Advisory Board, Soliya