"It is time for Holly [the ambassador's wife] and I to leave #Afghanistan," Bass wrote on Twitter.
The outgoing ambassador expressed hope that Afghanistan's citizens and leaders would "find strength in unity, put aside their differences, and work together to negotiate a political settlement with the Taliban."
1/3 It is time for Holly and I to leave #Afghanistan. We will cherish our memories of the Eid holiday in 2018 when peace fell over the whole country and Afghans saw it was possible for both sides to stop the violence.
— John R. Bass (@USAmbKabul) 6 января 2020 г.
A US State Department official told The New York Times on conditions of anonymity that it was typical for US ambassadors to spend two years only in Kabul, given the "high-stress nature of the job." The official added that Bass' departure had been long-planned and was not a result of any conflict.
The United States wants the Taliban to cut ties with terrorists and engage in closer cooperation with the Afghan government, thus enabling US troops withdrawal. Many rounds of peace talks have been held, bringing no significant result.
