List of ambassadors of the United States to Afghanistan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ambassador of the United States to Afghanistan |
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Seal of the United States Department of State
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 Karen B. Decker (chargé d'affaires) since August 1, 2022 |
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| United States Department of State Afghan Affairs Unit at U.S. Embassy Doha |
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| Reports to | United States Secretary of State |
| Seat | Doha, Qatar |
| Appointer | President of the United States
with advice and consent of the Senate
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| Term length | At the pleasure of the President |
| Inaugural holder | William H. Hornibrook (as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary) |
| Formation |
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The United States ambassador to Afghanistan is a special representative from the United States who works to keep good relations with Afghanistan. Think of them as a chief diplomat! They are the main person who speaks for the U.S. government in Afghanistan.
After the 2021 fall of Kabul to the Taliban, the main U.S. Embassy in Kabul had to move. Its operations are now based in Doha, Qatar. Since late 2021, the U.S. has had a special section at the Embassy of Qatar in Kabul. This section helps look after U.S. interests in Afghanistan.
Contents
History of U.S. Relations with Afghanistan
The United States first officially recognized Afghanistan on July 26, 1921. At that time, King Amānullāh was in charge of Afghanistan. Official diplomatic relations, which means countries agreeing to work together, started in 1935.
First U.S. Envoys to Afghanistan
The very first U.S. ambassador appointed to Afghanistan was William H. Hornibrook. He was also the ambassador to Persia, which is now known as Iran. He lived in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Until 1942, the U.S. Ambassador to Iran also served as the Ambassador to Afghanistan.
A U.S. office, called a Legation, was set up in Kabul on June 6, 1942. Charles W. Thayer was the first person in charge there. Then, Cornelius Van Hemert Engert became the first envoy who only worked for Afghanistan. He officially started his role on July 2, 1942.
Challenges and Changes in Diplomacy
Sadly, Ambassador Adolph Dubs was killed in 1979 during a kidnapping attempt. After this sad event, no new ambassador was appointed for ten years. Instead, different people called chargés d’affaires represented the U.S. in Kabul. These are diplomats who take charge when there isn't an official ambassador.
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul closed on January 30, 1989. This happened because people were worried about safety. They feared the new government might not be able to protect diplomats after Soviet forces left the country.
Reopening the Embassy
After the Taliban government was overthrown, the U.S. opened a special office in Kabul on December 17, 2001. Ambassador James Dobbins was in charge of this office. The United States officially recognized the new Afghan government on December 22, 2001. This new government was then able to represent Afghanistan to other countries.
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul officially reopened on January 17, 2002. Ryan Crocker was the first person in charge after it reopened.
Recent Ambassadors and Current Situation
Since the embassy reopened, many talented diplomats have served as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. They have worked to build strong connections and support peace.
However, after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul once again moved its main operations to Doha, Qatar.
Currently, Karen B. Decker is serving as the Chargé d’Affaires for the U.S. to Afghanistan. She started this role on August 1, 2022. This means she is the senior diplomat representing the U.S. in Afghanistan, even though the main embassy is now in Qatar.
