RASC News Agency: Karen Decker, the U.S. Charge d’Affaires for Afghanistan, reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting the rights of Afghanistani women and girls. In a statement released on Wednesday night, October 2, on the social media platform X, Decker emphasized the U.S.’s ongoing efforts to promote human rights and tackle the humanitarian crisis under Taliban rule. She also expressed her gratitude for the contributions of Tom West, the former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation.
Decker stated, “I eagerly look forward to continuing the impactful and meaningful work [of West] alongside John Mark Pommersheim, focusing on safeguarding U.S. national security interests, supporting Afghanistani women and girls, promoting the human rights of all Afghanistanis, and addressing the serious humanitarian crisis facing the people of Afghanistan.”
Tom West stepped down from his position a few days ago. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller also remarked that the U.S. remains committed to its engagement with Afghanistan under Taliban control. According to Miller, the U.S. mission will now be led by Karen Decker, U.S. Charge d’Affaires for Afghanistan; Rina Amiri, the U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistani Women and Girls; and John Mark Pommersheim, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asian Affairs.
Since their return to power, the Taliban have consistently violated the rights of Afghanistani citizens, particularly women and girls. Despite this, over the past three years, the U.S. has taken no concrete action against the Taliban’s policies. Instead, it has continued to provide the group with $40 million per week.