Habib, Philip C(harles) (1920-1992)

US diplomat. He was a US delegate to the Vietnam War negotiations in Paris (1968-71), where he was noted for his skill and flexibility. He subsequently served as 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 Ronald 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. Habib, of Lebanese descent, was born in New York City. He served in the US Army (1942-46) and was a foreign service officer (1949-80).