Wendy Sherman, a key diplomat in the United States government, has announced her retirement. Sherman served as the Deputy Secretary of State in the Obama administration and was later appointed by President Biden as the Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs. She has played a significant role in shaping the US’s foreign policy, particularly with regards to China and Iran.
During her tenure in the Obama administration, Sherman led the negotiations that resulted in the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA was aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the Trump administration withdrew from the deal in 2018, and tensions between the US and Iran have been high ever since.
Sherman also played a crucial role in the US-China relationship, particularly during her time as the Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs in the Obama administration. She helped oversee the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which aimed to promote cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, investment, and energy.
Sherman’s retirement comes at a time when US-China relations are at a particularly delicate stage. The two countries are engaged in a trade war, and tensions have risen over issues such as human rights, technology, and Taiwan. The US has also been critical of China’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and both countries have engaged in a war of words over the origin of the virus.
In a statement announcing her retirement, Sherman expressed her gratitude to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken for the opportunity to serve in the administration. She also emphasized the importance of diplomacy in addressing global challenges, saying, “We must use all the tools of diplomacy to advance our interests and values, and to work with partners and allies to address the challenges we face, from the climate crisis to nuclear proliferation to global health.”
Sherman’s departure is a loss for the US government, given her extensive experience and expertise in foreign affairs. It remains to be seen who will be appointed to succeed her and how they will shape US foreign policy going forward.