Zalmay Khalilzad
Zalmay Khalilzad
- Born: March 22, 1951 (age 71)
- Birthplace: Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan
- Occupation: Diplomat, academic, author
- Known for: Serving as the United States Ambassador to Afghanistan (2003-2005) and United States Ambassador to Iraq (2005-2007), and as the United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation (2018-2021)
- Awards: Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009), Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas (2010), Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2010)
Early Life and Education
Zalmay Khalilzad was born on March 22, 1951, in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. He is a Pashtun ethnic group member. After completing his primary education in Afghanistan, Khalilzad moved to the United States in 1968 to attend the American University of Beirut. He later transferred to Columbia University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1971. Khalilzad then attended the University of Chicago, where he earned a master's degree in public policy in 1972 and a Ph.D. in political science in 1979.
Career in Government
After completing his education, Khalilzad began his career in government as a researcher for the Rand Corporation. In 1983, he joined the United States Department of State as a foreign service officer. Khalilzad served in various diplomatic posts around the world, including assignments in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Pakistan.
In 2003, Khalilzad was appointed United States Ambassador to Afghanistan. He served in this role until 2005, when he was appointed United States Ambassador to Iraq. Khalilzad served in Iraq until 2007, when he left government to join the RAND Corporation as a senior fellow.
In 2018, Khalilzad was appointed United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation. In this role, he was responsible for leading the United States' efforts to negotiate a peace agreement between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Khalilzad stepped down from this role in 2021.
Awards and Honors
Khalilzad has received numerous awards and honors for his work in government. In 2009, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor. He has also received the Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas of Lithuania (2010) and the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2010).
Personal Life
Khalilzad is married to Cheryl Benard, a former United States Ambassador to the United Nations. They have two children. Khalilzad is a fluent speaker of English, Dari, and Pashto.
