Distempered Days

Chaos is on the rise in Afghanistan as violent attacks by the Taliban increase, and corruption and the drug trade run rampant through the country. Four years ago, Hamad Karzai was viewed as Afghanistan’s best hope for rebuilding the country, but now many question his leadership. Afghans contend that their president has failed to meet basic needs, and most still live in poverty. Western officials are also distressed with the instability, as Karzai is reluctant to replace faction leaders who resist attempts to unify the country and have ties to the drug trade. Other critics suggest that the US failure to establish order in the country has caused the disarray. Despite the many problems facing Karzai, he maintains a public air of confidence and control. Also to his credit, most Afghans say they couldn’t imagine anyone else as their president. - YaleGlobal