EMBASSY KABUL'S DESIGNATED IRAN WATCHER

UNCLAS KABUL 003844 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR U/S BURNS FROM THE AMBASSADOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: APER AF SUBJECT: EMBASSY KABUL'S DESIGNATED IRAN WATCHER REF: STATE 135322 ¶1. Embassy Kabul has carefully considered how we can best meet the request that we provide high-quality Iran-watching capabilities using existing staff. We have designated the officer in the Political Section whose portfolio includes regional issues, including Iran, as our Iran-watcher. This position is currently held by Aaron Jensen, to be replaced by Martin Murphy, arriving at post on September 3. Mr. Murphy will work closely with the PRT officer in Herat, Vangala Ram, who speaks Dari. The Iran-watcher will travel to Herat, and the two officers will consult in Kabul during Mr. Ram's regular trips to the Embassy. Other officers in the embassy will support the Iran-watcher functions, including facilitating contacts with Iranian expatriates in Afghanistan. NEUMANN