The Man Who Knew So Much

A friend recounts how the late Martin Indyk constantly battled against Netanyahu’s excesses and obstructionism

In the wake of Hamas’ surprise attack last year, Martin Indyk said Netanyahu should step down. (C-Span)

If Martin Indyk had still been the president’s senior Middle East advisor this past weekend when fighting between Israel and Hezbollah threatened to spark a full-blown regional war,  I suspect he would have walked into the Oval Office armed not only with the latest intelligence but also his deep understanding of the region and its key players. And in his Australian accent, Indyk would have articulated what the president could expect next from the Israelis, Hezbollah and regional leaders.

For Indyk, who died last Thursday at 73 from esophageal cancer at his home in Connecticut, the Oval Office, the intelligence agencies and the State Department’s seventh floor were familiar turf.