Senate confirms ambassador to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – The Senate has confirmed career diplomat James B. Cunningham to be the next ambassador to Afghanistan, replacing Ryan Crocker.

Cunningham has been serving as deputy ambassador in Kabul (KAH'-bool) for more than a year. Before that, he was the U.S. ambassador to Israel. He has also served as U.S. consul general in Hong Kong and as deputy envoy to the United Nations. He was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday.

Crocker stepped down in May after running embassies in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as Pakistan, Kuwait, Lebanon and Syria.