Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, reaffirmed that Afghanistan continues to be a central focus of U.S. foreign policy. Speaking at a press conference, Miller stressed that despite the complexities of recent years, the U.S. remains actively engaged with Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan remains an enduring priority,” Miller stated when asked about the country’s place in U.S. foreign policy. He further explained that the U.S. efforts will now be led by Karen Decker, Chief of Mission of the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan, along with Special Envoy Rina Amiri and Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim. Their leadership follows the conclusion of Thomas West’s tenure as U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan.
Miller’s remarks come amid increasing pressure from human rights activists and international organizations, who have criticized the U.S. for its response to the Taliban’s human rights violations since the group’s return to power three years ago. The U.S. has faced mounting calls to take stronger action, particularly regarding the Taliban’s treatment of women.
In a related move, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, and Canada have issued a joint statement at the United Nations General Assembly, signaling their intent to file a complaint against the Taliban with the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The nations warned that unless the Taliban halts violations of women’s rights, they will proceed with legal action under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
The U.S. has yet to formally endorse this initiative.
