Politico - Tillerson looking to eliminate dozens of special envoy posts

Nahal Toosi at Politico ("We reach the most influential people in the country") did a nice piece of writing here.

Money quote(s):

"Tillerson notes that nearly 70 special envoy or similar positions exist at the department and that some have outlived their purpose. In many cases, Tillerson argues that existing State Department bureaus will be able to handle the same duties in a more efficient way."

Some of the special envoys duplicate offices or even U.S. ambassadors resident in other countries.

"Tillerson's attempts to reduce the number of special envoys has broad support within the State Department, where many diplomats nonetheless cringe at Trump's proposal to cut their budget by 30 percent. The general feeling is that the envoy positions have proliferated to the point where they are undermining existing State Department regional bureaus and other divisions that do similar work."

Yup.  And if eliminating those duplicative positions takes care of some of that 30 percent cut, it may save truly vital functions from getting the ax.

"Some of the special envoy positions are mandated by law, making Tillerson's reorganization process tricky. At the same time, many of the positions are supported by outside advocacy groups who fear that their elimination will undermine efforts to highlight those particular issues."

The articles cites "international labor affairs; cyber issues; rights for the disabled; implementation of the Iran nuclear deal; global youth issues; and the Northern Ireland conflict" specifically as special envoy positions to be eliminated.

Politico - State Department's No. 2 tries to buck up staff morale ahead of reorganization

Nahal Toosi at Politico ("We reach the most influential people in the country") spoke with two unnamed sources about a town-hall meeting held by the new deputy secstate.

Money quote(s):

"Sullivan also urged diplomats and other employees to take media reports on the department's woes with a grain of salt."

Ain't that the truth!  That might even have been one of CAA's very points on his own input to the employee survey, but with the point that the new management shouldn't believe everything it reads in the media about the Department and the people in it.

"When asked how seriously the Trump administration is taking a proposal that the State Department's consular services be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security,Sullivan indicated that the leadership at State intends to keep the division under its umbrella. He acknowledged, however, that all options remain on the table."

Well, he pretty much has to say that.  What would be the point of all the working groups and their recommendations if major decisions like these have already been made by top management?