Doha – The U.S. Mission for Afghanistan has announced the appointment of Don Brown as the new Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, taking over the role on an acting basis. Brown succeeds Karen Decker, who was praised for her “years of service and dedicated leadership.”
Leadership Transition at U.S. Mission
Don Brown has been serving as Deputy Chief of Mission since November 2023. With this new role, he will temporarily lead the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan, which has been operating from Doha, Qatar, since August 2021. The relocation followed the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul and the subsequent withdrawal of U.S. forces.
The embassy stated that Brown’s appointment aims to ensure continuity and stability in U.S. diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan. His leadership comes at a time of heightened security concerns, humanitarian challenges, and evolving regional dynamics.
Profile of Don Brown
Don Brown is a seasoned U.S. diplomat with extensive experience in political affairs, regional security, and multilateral diplomacy. Before his posting in Doha, Brown held senior positions in Washington and served in multiple overseas missions, focusing on conflict resolution and international cooperation.
During his tenure as Deputy Chief of Mission in Doha, Brown worked on issues related to counterterrorism, humanitarian aid, and maintaining dialogue with Afghan stakeholders. His background positions him to manage the complexities of U.S. policy toward Afghanistan, which remains centered on counterterrorism, human rights, and humanitarian assistance.
U.S. Mission’s Role in Doha
Since August 2021, the U.S. Embassy for Afghanistan has been operating from Doha, Qatar, after the closure of its Kabul mission following the Taliban takeover. From Doha, the mission continues to oversee U.S. diplomatic efforts, coordinate humanitarian aid, and maintain engagement with Afghan civil society and international partners.
The embassy has emphasized its ongoing commitment to support Afghan women, ensure human rights protections, and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorism.
With Brown now at the helm, the U.S. Mission is expected to maintain a steady course while navigating the challenges of engaging with the Taliban-led administration and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
The appointment of Don Brown as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim reflects Washington’s intent to sustain active diplomatic efforts in the region, even as formal recognition of the Taliban government remains off the table.
