Holbrooke undergoes a second surgery
WASHINGTON - Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, underwent another 7 hours of surgery yesterday after a 20- hour operation that ended Saturday, according to family friends.
Yesterday's surgery was necessary after the procedure to repair a tear in his aorta was slowed by the failure of his blood to clot, the friends said.
Holbrooke isn't out of danger and prospects for recovery may not be clear for several days, they said. Holbrooke was admitted to George Washington University Hospital on Friday and was reported in critical condition by State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley.
White House adviser David Axelrod told CNN's "State of the Union" program that Holbrooke suffered an "aortic bleed." The diplomat is "fighting through it," he said. He is "tough and resilient," Axelrod said.
Holbrooke, 69, has spent the last two years traveling to Afghanistan and Pakistan, and seeking support from allies to help promote economic development and stabilize the neighboring countries that have been plagued by terrorism.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
