In order to prevent Afghanistan from turning into a haven for terrorists, including the Khorasan branch of ISIS and al-Qaeda, Ian McCary, the chief of the US mission in Afghanistan, stated that the US will continue to hold the Taliban accountable for the promises they made.
“Over the past year in Doha, we have pursued dialogue with the Taliban to address critical issues; we have provided extensive consular services to US Citizens, LPRs, & others engaged with the Afghan people. I am glad that we have been able to help many Afghans inside the country and abroad over the past year, but I am humbled by the array of challenges we are still facing in Afghanistan,” Tweets from McCary.
He expressed disappointment at the Taliban’s continued rejection of females attending secondary schools as well as credible reports of human rights abuses, particularly the worsening of media freedoms and intolerable limitations on women’s rights.
“I appreciate the extraordinary support of international partners & like minded community,” McCary said, adding that together they have sent this clear message to Taliban: “If the Taliban hope to gain the acceptance of the international community, they must listen to & honour the views of all Afghan people & respect human rights.”
As McCary stated, “The United States remains the largest donor to international relief efforts in Afghanistan; we have provided more than USD 775 million in humanitarian assistance since August 15, 2021.” The United States has also coordinated humanitarian assistance with the UN and international partners.
“We continue to work closely with partners to help stabilise the Afghan economy. The US Department of Treasury has issued multiple general licences to facilitate the flow of economic activity and vital assistance to the Afghan people.”
McCary, who has been working out of Doha since August 21 as the Charge d’ Affaires of the US Mission to Afghanistan, is wrapping up his duties this week. He remarked, “We are grateful for the gracious support of the State of Qatar, our strategic partner.”
McCary will be replaced as the Chief of Mission for the US Embassy in Kabul by Karen Decker, Director of the Afghanistan Operations for the Afghan Relocation Efforts.
“Under the leadership of my successor Karen Decker, our commitment to the Afghan people will not falter. Karen has long been a friend of Afghanistan and she will work tirelessly and effectively to protect U.S. interests and support the Afghan people.” McCary stated.
