FRANK WISNER A GREAT AMERICAN RIP

He was a lot of fun too

The Washington crowd today that loves to assault the deep state or the cookie pushers at the State Department or USAID should learn about Frank Wisner.

Wisner was U.S. Ambassador to four countries a top State Department official -- he was Secretary of State for a couple hours during a Presidential transition -- and adviser to Presidents of both parties and well into his 80s deeply engaged in trying to make the world a little saner place.

He died this weekend at age 86 of lung cancer.

I have two particularly vivid memories of Frank who my wife and I got to know well in recent years: He was incredibly wise, one of those rare types who you would ask to tell you what you should think, and belying the image of the staid, striped pants set, was enormous fun, a fabulous story teller, full of laughter, great company.

Frank believed America need to play a robust but realistic role in the world, a role that no one else could play. He understood the dangers of hubris or going it alone; alliances were critical to effective diplomacy,

He believed in most everything Trump doesn't and was profoundly worried about the dangers this Administration would inflict.

He had his criticisms of the Biden foreign policy but was a big admirer of national security adviser Jake Sullivan who he saw as a strategic thinker.

He was ambassador to Zambia, Egypt, the Philippines and India. His father was one of the early stalwarts of the Central Intelligence Agency after World War II; growing up in Washington, public service always was in his blood.

After college he joined the foreign service spending five years in Vietnam. Like other prominent diplomats -to- be, such as his friend the late Richard Holbrooke, that experience prepared him for his role ahead.

After officially retiring from government, Frank was actively engaged in world affairs, ranging from counseling Presidents; taking special global assignments; an international adviser to his law firm;, serving not just on corporate boards but Refugees International; seeking to diffuse any potential conflict with Iran, and succeeding Paul Volcker as chairman of the of International House, a program and New York residential for bright young students from around the world; he delighted in working with those young leaders of tomorrow.

A few years ago he advised me to get to know Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, one of the most impressive newer members he had encountered. He was right about the lawmaker now the ranking member on the House select China committee.
"Frank Wisner was one of the kindest, most affable and also most effective diplomats our country has ever had," Krishnamoorthi said . “He was held in high esteem by the Indian American community because of his service as Ambassador to India under President Clinton. I would often call him for counsel regarding foreign affairs, and he was such a dear friend. I will miss his ever-present charm and good cheer."

I actually first met Ambassador Wisner in the 1980s when I was reporting through the Middle East with the Wall Street Journal's legendary foreign editor, Karen House. In full riding attire he came bursting into his Cairo office back from horseback riding. I thought that a bit odd until for the next 45 minutes he brilliantly analyzed the country and the region,

Much later, when we became personal friends, traveling with Frank and his equally engaging wife, Judy Cormier, along with our friends Rod and Beth Slifer, was pure joy and an extraordinary learning experience. Whether China or Italy or Gettysburg Frank often knew as much, or more, than the guide. And what a story-teller.

The end of a day over great food, wine or drinks was special. Listening to Frank was even more so.

Few were more interesting or insightful than Frank Wisner. There was no greater patriot.