Cablegate: Embassy Kabul's Designated Iran Watcher
VZCZCXYZ0045
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHBUL #3844 2410632
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 290632Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2141
INFO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD IMMEDIATE 0148
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