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Antony Blinken

American lawyer and diplomat

Antony Blinken, born in 1962, is the 71st United States secretary of state. He has held various diplomatic and advisory roles under Presidents Obama and Biden, advocating for policies on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Blinken co-founded a consulting firm before returning to government service.

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Henry Kissinger Mike Pence Bill Clinton Tony Blair Hillary Clinton Joe Biden Jerome Powell Jens Stoltenberg Benjamin Netanyahu Ben Bernanke

Timeline

Antony Blinken's Birth

Antony John Blinken, an American lawyer and diplomat, was born on April 16, 1962, in Yonkers, New York. He currently serves as the 71st United States Secretary of State.

Move to Paris with Samuel Pisar

In 1971, Antony Blinken moved to Paris, France, with his divorced mother and her husband, Samuel Pisar, a Holocaust survivor and lawyer, who shared his experiences during the Holocaust with Blinken.

Antony Blinken's Graduation with French Baccalauréat Degree

In 1980, Antony Blinken graduated with a French baccalauréat degree from an international school in Paris. This educational achievement marked an important milestone in his life.

Historic Socialist Party Landslide in French Parliamentary Elections

In 1981, the Socialist Party achieved a historic landslide victory in the French parliamentary elections, defeating the party of then-President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. Antony Blinken, while an undergraduate student at Harvard, wrote about this event for The Crimson student newspaper.

Graduation from Harvard University

Antony Blinken graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor's degree in social studies.

Publication of Ally Versus Ally: America, Europe and the Siberian Pipeline Crisis

Antony Blinken authored a book titled 'Ally Versus Ally: America, Europe and the Siberian Pipeline Crisis' in 1987, discussing the geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Siberian Pipeline Crisis.

JD Law Degree from Columbia University

Antony Blinken received his JD law degree from Columbia University.

Meeting of Antony Blinken and Evan Ryan

Antony Blinken met his future wife, Evan Ryan, in 1995 while working at the White House and she was a scheduler for First Lady Hillary Clinton.

Antony Blinken transitioned to the US Senate as Democratic staff director

In 2002, Antony Blinken transitioned to the US Senate as the Democratic staff director for the Foreign Relations Committee, working closely with Senator Joe Biden.

Blinken's Support for U.S. Invasion of Iraq

Antony Blinken supported the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 while serving as a close aide to Joe Biden.

Antony Blinken Serves as Vice President Biden's National Security Adviser

In 2008, Antony Blinken served as Vice President Biden's national security adviser after Obama's election.

Antony Blinken becomes National Security Advisor to the Vice President of the United States

Antony Blinken assumed the role of National Security Advisor to the Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2009, serving until January 20, 2013, under Vice President Joe Biden.

Obama's decision to kill Osama bin Laden

Antony Blinken praised President Obama's courageous decision to kill Osama bin Laden.

Antony Blinken appointed as United States Deputy National Security Advisor

Antony Blinken was appointed as the United States Deputy National Security Advisor on January 20, 2013, serving until January 9, 2015, under President Barack Obama.

Nomination of Blinken for Deputy Secretary post

President Obama announced his decision to nominate Antony Blinken for the Deputy Secretary post, replacing William J. Burns.

Confirmation of Blinken as Deputy Secretary of State

Antony Blinken was confirmed as Deputy Secretary of State by the Senate with a vote of 55 to 38.

Antony J. Blinken Sworn in as Deputy Secretary of State

Antony J. Blinken was sworn in as the Deputy Secretary of State on January 9, 2015, after being confirmed by the United States Senate in December 2014. He has extensive experience in senior foreign policy roles spanning over two decades.

Antony Blinken's Stance on Transatlantic Alliance

In 2016, Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of having friends, partners, and allies for the safety of the American people. He strongly believes in the transatlantic alliance and considers Europe a vital partner.

Termination of Appointment of Deputy Secretary of State

On January 19, 2017, the Deputy Secretary of State's appointment came to an end.

Discussion on Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights

Antony Blinken acknowledged the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel's security, especially in the context of threats from Syria under Assad's rule and Iranian-backed militia groups. He refrained from delving into the legal aspects of the issue.

Strategic Review of U.S.-Saudi Arabia Relationship

On October 28, 2020, Antony Blinken reaffirmed that a Biden administration would conduct a strategic review of the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia to ensure it aligns with U.S. interests and values.

Biden selects Blinken as nominee for Secretary of State

On November 22, 2020, Bloomberg News reported that Joe Biden had chosen Antony Blinken as his nominee for the position of Secretary of State. This nomination was later confirmed by The New York Times and other news outlets.

Antony Blinken appointed as the next US secretary of state

Antony Blinken was appointed as the next US secretary of state on November 23, 2020. He is set to take on a crucial role in shaping US foreign policy under the Biden administration.

Antony Blinken Emphasizes U.S. Role in Global Challenges

On November 24, Antony Blinken emphasized the critical role of the United States in convening other nations to address global challenges like climate change, arms proliferation, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of State

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on January 19, 2021, to confirm the appointment of the U.S. Secretary of State.

Profile at the Wayback Machine from WestExec Advisors

An archived profile of an individual from WestExec Advisors, accessible through the Wayback Machine as of January 20, 2021.

Confirmation as Secretary of State

Antony Blinken was confirmed as the United States Secretary of State on January 26, 2021, after being nominated by President Joe Biden.

Blinken's Condemnation of Myanmar Coup

On January 31, 2021, Blinken condemned the Myanmar coup and called for the release of detained officials, expressing support for the people's demand for the restoration of democracy.

Blinken warns China against coercion

On March 15, 2021, during his visit to Tokyo and Seoul with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Antony Blinken cautioned China against coercion and aggression. He also criticized China for its treatment of ethnic Uyghurs.

Blinken's Visit to Kabul and U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan

In April 2021, Blinken visited Kabul to meet with U.S. personnel following the announcement of troop withdrawal, stating the decision aimed to focus on China and the pandemic.

Transfer of Aid to Gaza Strip

Following the ceasefire in the 2021 Israeli-Palestinian conflict and coinciding with Antony Blinken's visit to Jerusalem on May 25, food and medical supplies provided by the United Nations and Physicians for Human Rights were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Authorization of Weapons Supply to Ukraine

In January 2022, Antony Blinken authorized the supply of weapons to Ukraine to assist the country amid border tensions with Russia.

Warning of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

On February 11, Blinken publicly warned of the likelihood of a Russian invasion of Ukraine before the end of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Evacuation of U.S. Embassy Staff in Kyiv

On February 13, Blinken stated that the risk of a Russian invasion of Ukraine was high enough to warrant the evacuation of most staff from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

Doubt on Russian Willingness for Diplomatic Resolution

On October 21, 2022, Blinken expressed skepticism about Russia's willingness to end the war in Ukraine through diplomatic means.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Subpoena of Blinken

In March 2023, the House Foreign Affairs Committee subpoenaed Antony Blinken for a dissent cable related to the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Blinken's Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping

In June 2023, Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, emphasizing the importance of communication to avoid conflict while competing vigorously with China.

Defense of Cluster Munitions Supply to Ukraine

In July 2023, Blinken defended President Biden's decision to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions.

Blinken's music performance for Global Music Diplomacy Initiative

Antony Blinken gave a cover performance of 'Hoochie Coochie Man' by Muddy Waters in September 2023 to launch the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative at the State Department. The video of his performance went viral.

Blinken attempts to bridge major divides in China

On April 23, 2024, Antony Blinken prepares to address significant divides as he embarks on a mission to mend relations during his visit to China.

Blinken begins key China visit

On April 24, 2024, Antony Blinken starts an important visit to China amidst escalating tensions due to a new US foreign aid bill.

End of the Timeline
Antony Blinken

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