Richard Olson appointed new Special US Af-Pak Representative

US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson has been appointed as the new US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, an official announcement said today.
Olson will succeed Dan Feldman, who concluded his tenure on September 18, as US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
He will assume his responsibilities on November 17, after concluding his service as the US Ambassador to Pakistan.
"As were his predecessors, Olson will be responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that support US national security interests in promoting stability and increasing prosperity in Afghanistan and Pakistan," State Department spokesman John Kirby said.
With a range of experience in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Olson has been posted in Islamabad for past three years now.

Prior to his experience in Islamabad, Olson served as Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Affairs at US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2011 to 2012, during which time he oversaw all US non-military assistance programs and support for the Afghan government.
He also served as US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from 2008 to 2011.