I've done a little of everything. By good fortune, I've had the opportunity to serve almost at every level in the department and equally almost, at every level abroad. From the most junior officer at an embassy to an ambassador, and from a junior analyst in the research division of the Department of State to Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs. And I've represented the United States in many international meetings. So the Washington aspect of a diplomatic career is linked, but it requires a different sort of effort than when you're abroad.
Foreign policy is formulated in Washington.
It's constitutionally the responsibility of the Executive, of the President. The formulation of that policy takes place in the Washington environment of different departments with different points of view. The Department of State also serves, in effect, as a formulator of policy for the President, presenting to him various options, possible courses of action in any particular situation, setting forth for him the consequences of action or not taking action in any given circumstance. He can then decide between alternatives, between options. Once that's done, then you have to implement a decision.