Saugonian named ambassador to Turkey

SAUGUS – In 2002, James Jeffrey was named United States Ambassador to Albania. Three years later, he made the jump to Iraq before becoming President George W. Bush’s Deputy National Security Advisor. Now, the native Saugonian is headed to Turkey as its newest ambassador.
In a press release from the White House, President George W. Bush called Jeffrey, “a man of intellect, integrity and commitment.”
Turkey is a long time friend of the United States and one of the founding nations in NATO.
While the shift from Iraq to Turkey might seem to be a step out of harm’s way, Jeffrey will still be in the middle of a hot spot. But it is one he is familiar with.
Eight countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia, Syria and Georgia as well as the Mediterranean, Black and Aegean seas, border Turkey.
Jeffrey closely followed the clash between Russia and Georgia over a small region and briefed officials on Iran’s nuclear issues.
Sensitive areas and old grievances are familiar territory for Jeffrey.
When he headed to Albania in 2002, the country was experiencing a fragile peace after years of being rocked by conflict. At the time, Jeffrey said it would take a sensitive and experienced hand to maintain that peace.
A few years later, he transferred that experience during a move to Iraq when he joined John Negroponte in the war-torn country. That was back in 2005 when it was expected the U.S. would hand over power to the Iraqi government in June.
In an interview prior to heading off to Albania Jeffrey said his position as a diplomat was “a combination of playing poker and doing brain surgery.”
Bush, however, simply called him “superbly qualified.”
“His work as my Deputy National Security Advisor, as United States Ambassador to Albania and in three previous assignments to Turkey make him superbly qualified to represent the United States to our friend and NATO ally,” the President wrote. “I thank Jim for his continued service to our Nation and congratulate him and his family on (last Thursday’s) confirmation.
Jeffrey was a 1964 Saugus High School graduate, and was named “most likely to succeed.” He served in Kuwait when the country was still reeling from the Gulf War and spent much of his diplomatic career in Tunis, Sofia, Munich, Adana and Ankara.
Jeffrey was also an infantry officer in the U.S. Army from 1969-1976 where he served in Vietnam and Germany and worked as a paratrooper and a ranger. After finishing his Army career he moved on to one of a diplomat.
His brother Ed Jeffrey still resides in Saugus.