ISLAMABAD -- The U.S.-backed regime of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, which has been promised more than $8 billion in international economic aid over the next three years, is still struggling to consolidate its political position.
The United States has backed Karzai as a credible alternative to Afghanistan's former Taliban rulers, who brought Washington's wrath upon themselves for their backing of al-Qaeda. Karzai's position, however, remains tenuous at best, as his government has little control over events outside of Kabul.
Recent unrest in all corners of Afghanistan, either provoked by defiant warlords or by al-Qaeda and the Taliban, have reinforced the impression that Afghanistan remains in turmoil.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.