The University's director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs has been appointed to a new post in Washington -- executive director of the Bush administration's 9-11 Commission.
History Prof. Philip Zelikow will serve on the ten-member panel, which will address various circumstances surrounding the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In May of 2004 the commission will issue a report on its findings.
"This is a very important appointment from the perspective of national interest, and Mr. Zelikow has much valuable experience to bring to the commission's work," University President John T. Casteen III said. "It is great for the University."
Zelikow is not new to the Washington community. He served on the staff of the National Security Council and in the Department of State.
"I knew him from his academic reputation before he came to U.Va; he's done a remarkable job at giving focus and direction with the Miller Center," said William Quandt, University vice provost of international affairs. "He's a very organized person and I think he will ensure the commissioners look carefully at the evidence. It's a very tough task."
According to the White House Web site, the commission was created in 2002 by President George W. Bush with the goal of assessing various elements of the terrorist attacks on America, including defense, immigration flaws, initial U.S. reaction and prior knowledge of threats. The newly formed Department of Homeland Security, comprised of more than 170,000 professionals, will oversee the commission.
The commission held its first meeting on Monday after hearing testimony from family members affected by the attacks. After listening to the various concerns of those impacted by the tragedy, the commission will attempt to find answers to lingering questions involving potential shortfalls in government intelligence. The information obtained could be useful in preventing future attacks and responding better in parallel circumstances.
The commission also will hear concerns from numerous sources including special interest groups, corporations and political parties.
Quandt assessed the difficulty of the new project.
"We will presumably learn some lessons, but no commission will be able to determine if we could have prevented 9-11," he said.
Margaret Edwards, director of external relations at the Miller Center, said Zelikow taking the job on the commission fits in with goals of the Miller Center.
"The University has a long- standing tradition of public service to the country," Edwards said. "One of the key missions of the Miller Center is non-partisan public service; this fits right in line with the Miller Center's mission."
While Zelikow will be spending significant time in Washington, he will not leave his post as director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs.
"Dr. Zelikow has a tremendous amount of energy and ability to lead in a number of capacities and I have no doubt he will be able to do both of these things at once," Edwards said.
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