Sherard Cowper British diplomat, ambassador to Afghanistan Date of Birth: 08.01.1955 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Education
2. Diplomatic Career
3. Senior Diplomatic Appointments
4. Ambassadorial Assignments
5. Personal Life
6. Controversial Remarks

Early Life and Education

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles was born on January 8, 1955, in England. The son of Hamilton and Dorothy Cowper-Coles, he received his early education at Freeston Lodge School, New Beacon School, and Tonbridge School. Cowper-Coles then went on to study at Hertford College, Oxford, where he became proficient in Arabic.

Diplomatic Career

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles embarked on his diplomatic career in 1977. His first major assignment was as Third Secretary in Cairo (1980-1983). Known for his intelligence, tact, and meticulous attention to detail, he quickly rose through the ranks.

From 1983 to 1985, Cowper-Coles served as First Secretary in the Planning Staff of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In 1985, he became Private Secretary to the Deputy Under-Secretary of State. From 1987 to 1991, he held the position of First Secretary in Washington, D.C., and from 1991 to 1993, he was Assistant for Security Policy in the Foreign Office.

Senior Diplomatic Appointments

In 1993, Cowper-Coles was transferred to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The following year, he assumed the role of Head of the Foreign Office's Hong Kong Department (1994). From 1997 to 1999, he served as Political Counselor in Paris. In 1999, he joined Robin Cook's office as Deputy Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

Ambassadorial Assignments

In 2001, Cowper-Coles was appointed as Head of Mission in Tel Aviv and British Ambassador to Israel. His subsequent Middle Eastern postings included Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (2001-2006). In May 2007, he was appointed British Ambassador to Afghanistan in Kabul.

Personal Life

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles married Maria Bridget Elliott in 1982. They have four sons and one daughter.

Controversial Remarks

In October 2008, Cowper-Coles raised controversy with his assessment that the United States' seven-year campaign in Afghanistan was bound to fail. This statement further destabilized the already precarious position of the United States.