Obituary: Tina S. Kaidanow
Tina S. Kaidanow, a distinguished career diplomat and trailblazer in U.S. foreign relations, passed away on October 14 in Washington, D.C. She was 59 years old. Her brother, Eric Kaidanow, reported that her death was attributed to cardiac arrest, following a three-week hospitalization during which doctors were investigating the cause of internal bleeding at Georgetown University Hospital.
Throughout her remarkable career spanning over three decades, Ms. Kaidanow held various pivotal roles within the U.S. foreign service and played a significant part in shaping foreign policy. She notably served as the first U.S. ambassador to Kosovo after the country declared independence in 2008. Additionally, she was instrumental in leading the State Department’s counterterrorism and political-affairs bureaus and held the position of deputy ambassador in Kabul, Afghanistan, further demonstrating her commitment to international diplomacy.
At the time of her passing, Ms. Kaidanow was serving as the State Department’s special representative for Guantánamo Affairs. In this critical role, she was responsible for overseeing and negotiating the transfer of detainees from the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba to third countries. Her dedication to this sensitive mission was evident in her efforts to build relationships and foster understanding between nations.
In 2023, Ms. Kaidanow traveled to Belize, where she personally expressed gratitude to the government for accepting Majid Khan, a former Pakistani courier for Al Qaeda who had cooperated with U.S. authorities. During a news conference in Belize City, she joined the foreign minister to reassure the public about their new resident’s presence. “If you encounter Mr. Khan anywhere, I hope you will say hello,” she told local reporters. “He is so happy to be here. He is very grateful.”
Ms. Kaidanow’s legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to public service and her significant contributions to U.S. diplomacy.