The Biden administration is keeping former President Trump’s top envoy for Afghanistan peace talks, who has led regular negotiations with the Taliban, in place for the time being, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Traditionally an incoming administration replaces politically appointed officials with their own team, particularly on foreign policy matters with such significance. He is well known in foreign policy circles. The Biden foreign policy team will immediately have to begin making decisions about the presence of US troops in the country. Extending the military mission also threatens to upend the peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Source: CNN January 22, 2021 20:15 UTC