Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Mustafa Popal was a civil servant at the Pentagon prior to joining the Foreign Service. One of his most significant accomplishments was helping to ensure timely U.S. assistance in support of Afghanistan’s first-ever presidential election to ensure the spread of democracy and liberty in a geostrategic part of the world. Currently, Mustafa is stationed at the Afghanistan Desk and drafts talking points for the Secretary or the Deputy Secretary; participates in interagency meetings on developing U.S. policy toward Afghanistan; deals directly with the Afghan Ambassador and embassy staff; supports our mission in Kabul; and attends bilateral meetings with visiting Afghan officials.