From Iceland — Obama Chooses New Ambassador

Obama Chooses New Ambassador

Published October 30, 2013

US president Barack Obama has nominated a new ambassador for Iceland, marking the end of the Arreaga Era.
RÚV reports that the nominee in question is Robert C. Barber. Barber is a lawyer, and was also a major fundraiser for the Obama campaign. Alongside former baseball player Mark Gilbert, Barber helped raise half a million dollars for the president. Gilbert has been nominated as US ambassador to New Zealand.
While Barber has yet to be confirmed by the Senate, no US ambassador to Iceland nominees have ever been met with significant opposition from the legislature.
Whether Barber is confirmed or not, current US ambassador to Iceland Luis E. Arreaga will be on his way out. Arreaga, who was appointed in 2010, has arguably been the most fun US ambassador Iceland has ever had. No word yet if Barber will participate in a zombie walk, as Arreaga did earlier this year.

Support The Reykjavík Grapevine!
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!

Show Me More!