The United States special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) was a position in the State Department that reported directly to the secretary of state. The Office of the Special Representative's purpose was to coordinate the department's activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan during the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), in conjunction with increased numbers of troops during the Obama presidency.[1]
Under the Trump administration, it became the position of the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation (SRAR). Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad was appointed to the post in September 2018, and stepped down following the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Deputy special representative Thomas West took his place and has served as special representative for Afghanistan since October 20, 2021.[2]
Former special envoys
edit- Richard Holbrooke (22 January 2009[3]–13 December 2010)
- Marc Grossman (22 February 2011–14 December 2012[4])
- James Dobbins (10 May 2013[5]–31 July 2014[6])
- Dan Feldman (1 August 2014[6]–18 September 2015[7])
- Jarrett Blanc (Acting) (18 September 2015–17 November 2015)
- Richard G. Olson (17 November 2015[7]–November 2016[8])
- Laurel Miller (Acting) (November 2016–1 June 2017)[9]
- Alice Wells (Acting) (2017)[10]
- Zalmay Khalilzad (September 2018–October 2021)[11]
- Thomas West (October 2021)[12]
References
edit- ^ Azhar, Aman. "US Shutters Special Representative for Afghanistan-Pakistan Office". Voa.
- ^ Marquardt, Alex; LeBlanc, Paul (October 19, 2021). "US envoy for Afghanistan steps down following chaotic evacuation". CNN. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
- ^ Grossman, Marc. "A distinguished diplomat explores an evolving concept of diplomacy to meet the kaleidoscope of opportunities and challenges America faces". Retrieved 2018-08-27.
- ^ Josh Rogin. "State Department Af-Pak chief stepping down". Retrieved 2018-08-27.
- ^ "Special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan to step down". 2014-07-02. Retrieved 2018-08-27.
- ^ a b Marie Harf (2014-08-01). "Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Daniel Feldman Takes Office and Travels to Afghanistan". Retrieved 2018-08-27.
- ^ a b "Richard Olson appointed as U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan". The Khaama Press News Agency. 2015-10-16. Retrieved 2018-08-27.
- ^ "Richard G. Olson" (PDF). Retrieved 2018-08-27.
- ^ "Afghanistan and Pakistan (Special Representative): Laurel Miller (Acting)".
- ^ "US names Alice Wells as Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan | TNN". 23 July 2017.
- ^ "Zalmay Khalilzad, Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation". U.S. Department of State.
- ^ "Thomas West, Special Representative for Afghanistan". U.S. Department of State.