Latest from The Spokesman-Review

• Ryan Crocker, ambassador to Afghanistan, to leave

  May 22, 2012 in Nation/World Ryan Crocker, the unflappable diplomat and Spokane native who became the civilian face of America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan over two administrations, is stepping down as ambassador to Afghanistan …

• Crocker defends Afghan investment

  June 9, 2011 in Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s choice for U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan insisted on Wednesday that the United States must continue its multibillion-dollar investment to achieve a “good enough” government in …

• Ryan Crocker tapped as part of new National Security team

  April 28, 2011 in News Seeking to tame wars overseas and budget deficits at home, President Barack Obama announced a major remake of his national security team Thursday aimed at ensuring leadership continuity during a … 1

• Foundation honors outstanding students

  April 21, 2011 in City on Page A5 University High School’s Ryan Linehan has been described by his school counselor as a “one in a million” student. On Wednesday night, he was one of 134 students from 23 … 5

• Education Notebook: Teen honored for good works

  March 24, 2011 in Washington Voices on Page S6 Zach Merkling, a Mead High School sophomore, was recently honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama. According to a press release, the award recognizes Americans of …

• Crocker at City Forum: U.S. commitment must continue

  February 17, 2010 in City The United States needs to commit to involvement and assistance in Afghanistan for years to come, former U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker told the Spokane City Forum today. 2

• Wounded in war, vets receive Purple Hearts in ceremony

    November 12, 2009 in City on Page A1 Staff Sgt. Lawrence Jefferson remembers the morning last November in Herat, Afghanistan, when “the whole world just went crazy.” It was 7:30, and he was in a line of Humvees … 2

• Still the right place, right time

  July 18, 2009 in City Hutton Settlement remains as stable as the brick cottages where its 32 children live, family-style. This weekend, Hutton, a unique home for displaced children, celebrated 90 years of resilience. Alumni, … 3

• Editorial: Hometown welcomes distinguished native son

  June 19, 2009 in Opinion on Page A17 It’s hard to comprehend the magnitude of Ryan Crocker’s transition to retirement in Spokane Valley. That’s largely because it’s all but impossible to comprehend the life Crocker has led and …

• Back in Valley, Crocker reflects on diplomacy’s lessons

    June 17, 2009 in City on Page A1 In life, Ryan Crocker says, it is better to be lucky than good and more important to have perseverance than hope. Those lessons are among those he’s learned in a …

• Former Iraq ambassador feels halfway to ‘normalcy’

    June 16, 2009 in City In life, Ryan Crocker says, it is better to be lucky than good, and more important to have perseverance than hope.

• Quick Iraq exit risky, Crocker says

  January 23, 2009 in Nation/World on Page A3 BAGHDAD – U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker on Thursday warned against a hasty withdrawal of American forces from Iraq and offered a sobering assessment of the country despite what he called …