Diplomat Richard W. Murphy, 95, Leaves Lasting Legacy in Middle Eastern Affairs

Richard W. Murphy, a distinguished career diplomat and a leading authority on Middle Eastern affairs, passed away in Manhattan on November 22 at the age of 95. His son, Richard M. Murphy, confirmed the news of his father's death, noting that he had succumbed at a hospital. Murphy’s career in diplomacy was marked by notable achievements and extensive involvement in the complex political landscape of the Middle East. He served as ambassador to three Arab nations—Mauritania, Syria, and Saudi Arabia—and held the position of assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs during the 1980s. His expertise and deep understanding of the region played a crucial role in facilitating the end of a protracted 15-year civil war in Lebanon, culminating in the Taif Agreement just months after his retirement. Having begun his career amid the tumult of the 1956 Suez Crisis, Murphy recognized early on that a specialist in Middle Eastern affairs would always have opportunities for engagement. This realization prompted him to learn Arabic, setting the stage for a career that would see him navigating the intricate web of Middle Eastern politics. Known for his frequent travel and discreet diplomacy, Murphy became a well-recognized figure within the State Department, where his colleagues humorously noted his tendency to be perpetually on the move. His fluency in Arabic and French allowed him to connect authentically with the nations he served. Among his many mentees was William J. Burns, the current director of the CIA, who commended Murphy for his mentorship, humor, and integrity in the often-difficult world of diplomacy. Throughout his career, Murphy was involved in critical negotiations and faced significant challenges. He re-established diplomatic relations with Syria in 1974, a notable achievement in a time of heightened tensions following the Six-Day War. His encounters with various leaders, including Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, were marked by stark contrasts; while he found Assad to be accessible and sharp, he described Hussein as rigid and unyielding. Murphy's tenure as assistant secretary of state was particularly intense, coinciding with the deployment of U.S. troops to Beirut and the crisis of American hostages held in Lebanon. He recalled the dizzying pace of events during those years, underscoring the challenges that American policymakers faced in navigating the region's complexities. Despite the turbulence of the times, Murphy maintained a balanced approach. In interviews, he reflected on the evolution of the term "Arabist," noting that it had shifted from a pejorative to a more nuanced understanding of the diplomatic role in the changing landscape of Middle Eastern politics. Born on July 29, 1929, in Manchester, New Hampshire, Murphy's early life was influenced by the business acumen of his parents. After his education at Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University, he served in the Army before joining the diplomatic corps in 1955. His marriage to Anne H. Cook was marked by a shared sense of adventure, which propelled them into various postings around the world. After his retirement from active diplomacy in 1989, Murphy continued to influence American foreign policy as a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He remained a sought-after commentator on Middle Eastern issues, engaging the public and media with insights drawn from his extensive career. Murphy is survived by his wife, Anne, their son Richard, daughters Katherine McClintic and Elizabeth Evans, and seven grandchildren. His legacy as a skilled diplomat and an advocate for understanding in the Middle East endures, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to fostering peace and dialogue in a region often fraught with conflict.