Qatar agrees to represent US interests in Afghanistan

By MATTHEW LEE
AP Diplomatic Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Gulf nation of Qatar has agreed to represent U.S. interests in Afghanistan following the closure of the American embassy in Kabul in late August. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Qatari counterpart say Qatar will serve as the “protecting power” for the United States in Taliban-run Afghanistan. That means Qatar will handle consular services for American citizens in Afghanistan and assume responsibility for the protection of now-vacated U.S. diplomatic facilities there. The announcement is a clear indication the Biden administration doesn’t intend to re-open the embassy anytime soon. Blinken, meanwhile, says the U.S. has offered the opportunity to leave Afghanistan to all American citizens it has identified as remaining in the country who wish to depart.