Habib, Philip C.

Habib, Philip C. (Charles) (1920–92) diplomat; born in New York City. Of Lebanese descent, he served in the U.S. Army (1942–46) and was a foreign service officer (1949–80). He was a U.S. delegate to the Vietnam War negotiations in Paris (1968–71) where he was noted for his skill and flexibility. He was ambassador to the Republic of Korea (1971–74), assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs (1974–76) and under secretary of state for political affairs (1976–78). He left the service due to health reasons, but returned to the diplomatic scene as President Reagan's personal representative to the Middle East (1981–83) where he negotiated for an end to the crisis in Lebanon. He was also a special presidential envoy to the Philippines in 1986.