Jackson native tells of Mideast life as diplomat

The power of words can inspire people to do unusual things.

For Robert Waller, a 1988 Jackson graduate, the book was "The Blood of Abraham: Insights to the Middle East" by Jimmy Carter.

He checked out the book at a Jackson library while in high school, and it inspired him to want to work for the U.S. State Department.

Fifteen years later, now a 33-year-old, Waller finds himself visiting home for the first time in a decade after working in one of the most volatile, religious and historical regions of the world.

"Be careful what you check out at the library," he said Tuesday in Jackson.

He has served the United States as consular officer in Saudi Arabia and consulate general in Jerusalem. He also did a stint in Tunisia, a small country in North Africa between Algeria and Libya. There, he studied Arabic.

While in Saudi Arabia, Waller mostly assisted U.S. citizens who were visiting. Since 2001, while in Jerusalem, he has served as a political officer, attending the Palestinian government's meetings and reporting back to the United States.

He is now back in the United States for at least a year, and he and his wife, Staci, are expecting a child in a few weeks. After leaving Jackson, the couple will take a couple of weeks vacation in Staci's hometown in Iowa and then he will begin to serve in Washington, D.C., as an assistant to William Burns, the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs.

Hometown perspective

It's been an adventurous and educational ride for Waller, who returned to his hometown of Jackson Monday. Tuesday night, Waller spoke to the Jackson Evening Optimists about what he does.

Most of his speech explained the Israeli and Palestinian conflict.

"I think it was really interesting to hear a point of view from someone who lived and worked in that environment," said Kyle Strickland, who just graduated from Jackson.

Steve Burk, who instructed Waller in a psychology class at Jackson, attended the meeting and said Waller was a good, serious student.

"As a teacher, you feel a sense of pride when your students enter important fields," Burk said. "Obviously Rob is an example of that."

It's been 10 years since Waller has been to his hometown. His family and most of his friends have moved away, but he said he's impressed with the town and is amazed by its growth and prosperity since he left.

Waller lived in Cape Girardeau during his elementary days before moving to Jackson in the sixth grade. His father worked at Procter & Gamble and the family lived on Highway 177 near Fruitland.

The Jackson graduate went on to Brigham Young University and got a doctorate in Mediterranean studies from King's College at the University of London.

Along with English, he speaks Arabic and Spanish fluently.

He said life in Jerusalem is not much different than in the United States except for the constant possibility that you may be ambushed on your ride home from work. Waller is always on the lookout. Four times he's been within earshot of a suicide bomber's explosion.

He normally wears a suit and tie to work, just as he would if he lived in the United States. He did have to occasionally wear a robe and headdress when he lived in Saudi Arabia.

"In addition to the challenges, there are lots of nice benefits," Waller said. "You get to travel to new places and meet great friends who may not speak your original language. It's an absolutely wonderful job. I can't imagine a job that offers more variety."

He said there is a lot of anti-American sentiment in the Middle East, but there are also many U.S. supporters. Many are simply curious about Americans' lifestyles and traditions.

Reminders of American culture are never far away. While in Tunisia, Waller and a friend made an eight-hour trip to be extras in the last Star Wars movie.

With all the challenges, excitement and violent culture, it's like Waller has been living in a galaxy far, far away.

"The Midwest has never looked so good," he said.

bmiller@semissourian.com

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