VZCZCXYZ0014
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #6211 3051321
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 311312Z OCT 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS PRIORITY 6110

UNCLAS STATE 116211 
 
SIPDIS 
FROM A/S WELCH TO CHARGE D'AFFAIRES CONNELLY 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: APER AMGT SY
SUBJECT: KUDOS TO EMBASSY DAMASCUS 
 
Maura, 
 
I want to thank you and the Embassy Damascus team for your 
extraordinary work during these challenging days.  The 
Mission's professionalism and dedication throughout this 
stressful and dynamic period have been truly outstanding. 
I specifically want to acknowledge Embassy reporting which 
captured events as they unfolded on the ground; Post's 
detailed responses to questions about the American Cultural 
Center, the American Language Center, and the Damascus 
Community School; and Post's efforts to assist American 
citizens, especially as anti-American rhetoric increased on 
the Syrian street.  Embassy Damascus' efforts to protect 
United States interests, property and personnel have been 
truly commendable. 
 
We appreciate all you have done and stand ready to support 
you in the challenging days that come. 
 
Best, 
David 
RICE