RASC News Agency: Karen Decker, the U.S. Charge d’Affaires in Kabul, has been officially appointed as the lead for U.S. foreign policy concerning Afghanistan. On Thursday, October 3, Decker assumed her role as the designated head of U.S. foreign policy for Afghanistan. In a recent meeting with editors of Afghanistani media, she laid out her strategic priorities, emphasizing a steadfast commitment to supporting the Afghanistani people.
Decker affirmed that U.S. policy towards Afghanistan will remain consistent despite the recent departure of Thomas West, the former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan. She stressed that the trajectory of U.S. engagement in Afghanistan will not change. Thomas West, after serving as the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan for three years, stepped down earlier this week. The U.S. State Department announced that West will continue his work within the department’s sanctions division.
Speaking at today’s press briefing, Decker stated, “I have been tasked with taking on the responsibilities of the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan.” She further explained her key objectives: “Afghanistan’s future must be shaped by its own citizens through a process that they lead.” Decker emphasized, “It is my solemn duty to be the voice for those Afghanistani citizens who have been deprived of their right to express themselves.”
This comes at a time when the Taliban continues to enforce harsh restrictions on Afghanistani citizens, particularly women, barring them from schools, higher education, and employment. Despite widespread international condemnation, the Taliban has yet to lift these restrictions. Efforts by U.S. representatives to address these issues have thus far yielded limited success.
