Establishment of Afghanistan and Pakistan Strategic Partnership Office
Jan 24, 2014
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jan 17, 2014
Published on: Jan 24, 2014
Jan 24, 2014
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jan 17, 2014
Published on: Jan 24, 2014
Summary
Creates a temporary office to help the U.S. work with Afghanistan and Pakistan on security and move to a normal diplomatic relationship.
What problem does this solve?
The U.S. needed a clear plan to shift its relationship with Afghanistan and Pakistan from a large-scale presence to a more typical diplomatic one. This order creates a special office to manage this change, reduce staff, and oversee aid programs smoothly.
What does this order do?
Establishes a new strategic partnership office
Creates a temporary office within the Department of State called the Afghanistan and Pakistan Strategic Partnership Office (APSPO).
Defines the purpose of the new office
States the office's goal is to help build a strategic partnership with Afghanistan and Pakistan, improve security, and move toward a normal diplomatic presence.
Coordinates the drawdown of civilian staff
Gives the APSPO the job of managing the final reduction of the Department of State's civilian workers and operations in Afghanistan.
Sets a termination date for the office
Specifies that the APSPO is a temporary organization and will be shut down according to federal law, unless the Secretary of State decides to end it sooner.
Amends a previous executive order
Changes a part of Executive Order 12163, which deals with how certain government functions are assigned.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. Department of State employees
- Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan
- U.S. civilian staff in Afghanistan
What is the real world impact?
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Streamlines the transition to diplomacy
Creates a dedicated office to manage the shift from large-scale operations to a normal diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan, ensuring a coordinated drawdown of staff and resources.
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Signals a shift in foreign policy focus
Establishes a temporary office, which could suggest the U.S. is reducing its long-term engagement and resources in the region, potentially impacting regional stability and partnerships.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on January 17, 2014, and includes a timeline for when the new office will end.
Termination of the APSPO
The office will end at the conclusion of the maximum period allowed by law, unless the Secretary of State terminates it earlier.