WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES – Thomas West, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, has transitioned from his position to a new role within the US Department of State.
According to a press release issued by the US Department of State on October 1, Mr. West has been appointed as the head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination within the department.
Mr. West was appointed as the US Special Envoy for Afghanistan in October 2021, shortly after the Taliban’s return to power. He succeeded Zalmay Khalilzad, who resigned amid significant criticism regarding his management of Afghanistan, particularly concerning the chaotic withdrawal and the collapse of the republic government.
Since then, he has made several trips to the region, meeting with Afghan politicians, women’s rights advocates, Taliban authorities, opposition leaders, and representatives from regional countries regarding Afghanistan.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has commended Mr. West for his “tireless” efforts in advancing US national interests and promoting the welfare of the Afghan people during his tenure.
“Tom prioritized advocacy for the release of detained American citizens, as well as the continued relocation of Afghans to whom we owe a special debt,” Blinken said.
“Tom also partnered with Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights Rina Amiri to ensure the rights of Afghanistan’s women and girls are at the forefront of our diplomatic efforts and that the viewpoints of diverse Afghans meaningfully inform our decision-making,” he added.
The US Secretary of State highlighted that the US commitment to Afghanistan continues to be a lasting priority, to be led by Karen Decker, US Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan based in Doha, Rina Amiri, US Special Envoy for Afghan Women and Human Rights, and John Mark, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asia.
According to him, Decker will manage diplomacy on Afghanistan from Doha, Amiri will continue to lead diplomacy and policy initiatives for human rights, particularly focusing on women and girls, and John Mark will oversee policy development and inter-agency coordination regarding Afghanistan.
