I am deeply honored today to appear as president obamas nominee to be the United States ambassador to the republic of barack. I am grateful to the president and secretary for their confidence in me. If confirmed, i will work closely with you to advance u. S. Goals in iraq. Alec four to building an excellent work of my predecessor and friend who is with us today. I am also delighted to share this battle with dana smith, a valued colleague of many years. With your permission, i would like to introduce my daughter, a rising sophomore at duke university. Seagram chief of love from atlanta to be here with me today my wife barbara and two sons are and iman. I am grateful that my family has been game for every new posting. I am humbled and thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as chief of mission at the American Embassy baghdad. One of our largest and most complex Diplomatic Missions. I have served and iraq twice, as you mentioned, and as director for Iraqi Affairs and the National Securi