Afghanistan post 2009 elections

Afghan elections 2009; Hamid Karzai More on Afghanistan

Afghan “peace jirga” is marked by rockets, suicide attacks
At least three Taliban suicide bombers struck a national peace assembly in which Afghan President Hamid Karzai called on the Taliban to join the government and civil society — an attack that underscored the difficult prospects of reconciliation. Though no targets were reported killed, one Taliban rocket struck near the compound that houses Afghanistan’s loya jirga tent used for official gatherings. The Taliban, who claimed credit for the attacks, said that the suicide bombers had dressed like Afghan security officials in order to infiltrate Afghan security. The New York Times (free registration) (6/2) , The Guardian (London) (6/2)
25 January
Afghanistan Postpones Elections for Parliament
KABUL, Afghanistan — Officials said the elections would be moved to Sept. 18 because of security concerns and a financial shortfall.
19 January
Afghanistan: U.N. Counts Cost of Bribes
Afghans paid $2.5 billion to bribe public officials over 12 months ending late last year, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime said in a report. Many paid to cut through red tape or to get help with poor service
Parliament anger over Karzai Cabinet choices
(CNN) Afghan parliament members reacted angrily Tuesday after President Hamid Karzai gave Cabinet posts to ministers they had rejected days earlier.
18 January
Karzai Closing In on Taliban Reconciliation Plan
The Afghan government will offer jobs, security, education and other social benefits to Taliban defectors. More on BBC
4 January
Standoff Builds Over Afghan Cabinet
The tug of war under way between President Hamid Karzai and Parliament over his cabinet picks entered a new phase Monday when the president ordered lawmakers to delay their long-planned winter holiday so he could offer them a new list of nominees.
2 January
Many Karzai Afghan Cabinet Choices Are Rejected
In a clear signal to President Hamid Karzai that he cannot count on Parliament for support, lawmakers resoundingly rejected most of his nominees for cabinet posts and expressed discontent with the candidates’ competence. Of Mr. Karzai’s 24 cabinet nominees, 17 were rejected and 7 approved. Of those who received votes of confidence, all but one are currently cabinet ministers.
29 December 2009
Afghans Announce Spring Election
The United Nations, the United States and election observation missions, including one representing the European Union, have asked the Afghan government to refrain from holding another vote until it writes a new election law and creates a list of registered voters.
3 November 2009
Karzai rules out sacking corrupt Afghan ministers
(The Independent) President promises to tackle criminality during second term – as he takes office flanked by drug-trafficking and war crimes suspects
Hamid Karzai began his new presidency yesterday with a pledge to reach out to opponents and tackle the corrosive corruption which has deeply tainted his government and led to widespread international condemnation. But he appeared to rule out sacking ministers and officials accused of corruption and did not say how he would tackle the systemic malpractice and criminality which has undermined governance during his tenure.
The US and other Western countries are demanding root and branch reforms and a major drive against corruption in return for additional troops and vast amounts of money. Mr Karzai, making his victory speech, was flanked by his two running mates, Marshal Muhammed Qasim, accused of drug trafficking by American officials, and Karim Khalili, who was accused in a recent human rights report of war crimes. Victory (for a crooked, corrupt and discredited government)
Karzai’s anti-corruption plans remain a mystery
In his first speech after being declared the winner of the hotly disputed presidential election in Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai addressed the problem of corruption — without detailing a plan to battle it. Karzai pledged to strengthen an anti-corruption commission and review the laws but ruled out replacing high-ranking officials. Karzai refused to answer questions about the role of presidential contender Abdullah Abdullah, who paved the way to Karzai’s victory by refusing to participate in the runoff election, seemingly ignoring calls by many critics and Abdullah supporters to form a coalition government. The asterisk on the election poses a problem for the Barack Obama administration, which seeks a legitimate partner in Afghanistan’s government. Los Angeles Times (11/3) , The New York Times (11/3)