Kerry appoints diplomat Daniel Rubinstein as US Special Envoy for Syria

Secretary of State John Kerry has announced a new special US envoy for Syria. He replaces a veteran diplomat who retired earlier this year amid a breakdown in talks between the Syrian government and opposition forces.

Shortly after the Syrian conflict marked its three-year anniversary this weekend, Kerry on Monday named career diplomat and Middle East hand Daniel Rubinstein to the post. Rubinstein succeeds Robert Ford in the job. (AP)