Ambassador James Franklin Jeffrey to Discuss New Memoir on Middle East Diplomacy

WASHINGTON (February 18) – The Elliott School of International Affairs’ Middle East Policy Forum will host Ambassador James Franklin Jeffrey to discuss his memoir, Middle East Crises: Expeditionary Diplomacy with the Bush, Obama and Trump Teams, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Jeffrey’s book offers a first-hand account of U.S. Foreign policy and crisis management in the Middle East from 2004 to 2020.

About the Book and Author

With a decades-long career as a Foreign Service Officer, Ambassador Jeffrey provides insights into significant moments in recent Middle Eastern history. His memoir chronicles his service under three U.S. Presidents – George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump – and details his roles in key regions including Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. The narrative covers challenges such as the Iraq War, the rise of ISIS, and navigating relationships with leaders like Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Vladimir Putin [James Franklin Jeffrey Website].

Middle East Crises is described as both a memoir and an analysis of American foreign policy, alliances, and the realities of diplomacy in a turbulent region. Amazon lists the book as a compelling account of U.S. Foreign policy and crisis management.

Ambassador Jeffrey is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a visiting fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a member of the CIA External Advisory Board, and serves on the advisory board for America Abroad Media.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m. To 2:15 p.m.

Location:

• In Person: The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, Room 505, Washington, D.C. 20052
• Virtual: Online registration available [GWU Event Page]

Media interested in attending should RSVP in advance to Nadia Payne at nadia.payne@gwu.edu, indicating if a camera location is needed.

Additional Events at the Elliott School

The Elliott School of International Affairs is hosting several other events in the coming months, including a webinar on handling disruptions in the language classroom on February 26, 2026, and a discussion on Mohammed Bin Salman and the transformation of Saudi Arabia on March 18, 2026. [GWU Event Page]