Establishment of Pakistan and Afghanistan Support Office
Aug 23, 2010
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Aug 18, 2010
Published on: Aug 23, 2010
Aug 23, 2010
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Aug 18, 2010
Published on: Aug 23, 2010
Summary
Establishes a temporary office in the Department of State to help strengthen the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan and resist extremists.
What problem does this solve?
The United States needed a focused effort to help stabilize the governments in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This order creates a special office, the PASO, to support U.S. agencies in this specific project.
What does this order do?
Establishes the Pakistan and Afghanistan Support Office (PASO)
Creates a new temporary office within the Department of State to manage U.S. support efforts for Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Defines the purpose of the new office
States the office's goal is to help U.S. departments strengthen the governments in Afghanistan and Pakistan and help them resist extremist groups.
Absorbs the previous Afghanistan Support Office
Transfers all duties, staff, and resources from the existing Afghanistan Support Office (ASO) to the new, broader PASO.
Outlines the office's functions
Tasks the PASO with promoting stable constitutional government in Pakistan and a more capable and effective government in Afghanistan.
Sets a termination date for the office
Specifies that the PASO is a temporary office and will be shut down at the end of the maximum period allowed by law, unless ended sooner by the Secretary of State.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. Department of State employees
- Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan
- U.S. diplomatic personnel
What is the real world impact?
•
Strengthens U.S. foreign policy in a key region
Creates a dedicated office to coordinate U.S. efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This helps to stabilize the region, protect U.S. interests, and maintain an effective diplomatic presence.
When does this start?
This order became effective on August 18, 2010, and includes a provision for when the new office will end.
Termination of the PASO
The PASO will end at the latest date allowed by section 3161(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, unless the Secretary of State decides to end it earlier.