US Senate confirms Michael Ratney as next US ambassador to Saudi Arabia

The US Senate has confirmed Michael Ratney as the next US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, filling one of several vacant diplomatic posts in the region.

In April 2022, US President Joe Biden nominated Mr Ratney as US ambassador to Saudi Arabia. The nomination puts one of the State Department's most experienced Middle East hands in charge of the post in Riyadh.

Mr Ratney, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, speaks fluent Arabic and has served across the Middle East, most recently as charge d’affaires at the US embassy in Jerusalem.

Before that, he served as the State Department’s acting deputy assistant secretary for the Levant and Israel and Palestinian affairs, and as US special envoy for Syria.

Other regional assignments have included posts in Doha, Beirut and Baghdad.

The US did not assign an ambassador to Saudi Arabia for two years after former President Donald Trump took office. He then picked John Abizaid to be the envoy.

Michael Ratney, President Joe Biden's nominee for US ambassador to Saudi Arabia briefing students with an overview of the US Department of State and US foreign policy priorities. Photo: US Department of State
Michael Ratney, President Joe Biden's nominee for US ambassador to Saudi Arabia with former US Secretary of State John Kerry, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East Peace Process Frank Lowenstein. Photo: US Department of State
Michael Ratney, President Joe Biden's nominee for US ambassador to Saudi Arabia Photo: US Embassy Jerusalem
Michael Ratney, President Joe Biden's nominee for Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Photo: US Embassy Jerusalem
Michael Ratney, President Joe Biden's nominee for US ambassador to Saudi Arabia with former Secretary of State John Kerry. Photo: US Department of State
Michael Ratney, President Joe Biden's nominee for US ambassador to Saudi Arabia meeting with former US Secretary of State John Kerry, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East Peace Process Frank Lowenstein. Photo: US Department of State
Michael Ratney, President Joe Biden's nominee for US ambassador to Saudi Arabia at the 245th US Independence Day Event at US Embassy in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett Photo: US Embassy Jerusalem
Michael Ratney, President Joe Biden's nominee for US ambassador to Saudi Arabia speaking at the 245th US Independence Day Event at the US Embassy Jerusalem. Photo: US Embassy Jerusalem
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Michael Ratney and US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield in the Oval Office at the White House on August 27, 2021. Reuters

The post of US ambassador to Saudi Arabia has been vacant since Mr Abizaid left in January 2021.

During his confirmation hearing at the US Senate in July, Mr Ratney said Yemen's Houthi rebels launched more than 400 cross-border attacks over the past year on infrastructure, schools, mosques and workplaces and vowed to strengthen Saudi Arabia's defences with Washington's help.

“If confirmed, I will work to strengthen Saudi defences through security co-operation and training, demonstrating the durable American commitment to our partners and allies and to our values,” Mr Ratney told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Tour de France 2017: Stage 5

Vittel - La Planche de Belles Filles, 160.5km

It is a shorter stage, but one that will lead to a brutal uphill finish. This is the third visit in six editions since it was introduced to the race in 2012. Reigning champion Chris Froome won that race.

Red flags

Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet