[2] After his service at INR Straus was once again relocated to Japan serving in the political section as labor attaché from 1959 to 1964.
In 1967, Straus was transferred from his positions in Berlin to the Japan Desk within the State Department in Washington DC.
He served as the Political and Military Officer in addition to dealing with internal Japanese affairs.
After this assignment he spent 6 months at the NATO Defense College in Rome before being placed in Bern, Switzerland.
After his tenure in Switzerland, Straus became African Bureau Deputy Director of the Office of Inter-African Affairs.
The New People's Army, a terrorist group,[5] was perceived to be increasing in strength while the Marcos regime was resorting to more authoritarian measures in governance all while the economy was in decline.
[2] It was in these circumstances that Straus assumed his position as Country Director for the Philippines in the State Department.
During Straus' time as Country Director the assassination of Beningo Aquino occurred,[6] leading to unrest and the eventual end of the Marcos regime.
Straus participated in the renegotiation of United States military base rights in the Philippines.
[3] While at the War College, Straus taught International Relations classes in addition to teaching specialized electives in East Asian Studies.