Former U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, finds himself embroiled in controversy, as details surrounding his personal and diplomatic affairs during and after his diplomatic tenure have come to light. The revelations stem from an article published in The Washington Post, sparking significant media scrutiny, particularly in Pakistan.
The article alleges that Ambassador Olson had romantic involvements with multiple Pakistani women, including Muna Habib, during his diplomatic service in Islamabad from 2012 to 2015. Notably, it claims that Olson facilitated financial assistance for Muna Habib’s enrollment in Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, introducing her to Imaad Zuberi, a Pakistani-American businessman, who offered to cover $25,000 of her tuition fees.
The piece further exposes that Olson’s career trajectory took a hit when previously undisclosed records revealed he was investigated for failing to report a substantial gift of diamond jewelry from the Emir of Dubai to his former wife’s mother, Deborah Jones.
The FBI’s inquiry also delved into Olson’s extramarital affair with a journalist in Pakistan during his ambassadorship, shedding light on his decision not to report these liaisons to U.S. diplomatic security officials, as required.
In response to these revelations, Olson pled guilty to two misdemeanors, admitting to failing to disclose an $18,000 first-class ticket to London for a job interview with a Gulf investment firm during his ambassadorship and to illicitly lobbying U.S. officials on behalf of Qatar in 2017, a violation of the post-retirement restrictions.
It is important to note that Olson was not formally charged in connection with the diamond gift or the financial assistance provided to Muna Habib. Nevertheless, the U.S. Justice Department points to these incidents as indicative of a broader pattern of unethical conduct by the former diplomat.
This saga, marked by intrigue and ethical scrutiny, continues to unfold, raising questions about the conduct and accountability of diplomats serving on the global stage.