Doubts Surround Expected Cabinet Shakeup in Afghanistan

by Una M. · 2009-12-08 12:09:00 UTC
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Afghan President Hamid Karzai was expected to submit his cabinet nominees to the parliament today. That didn't happen, and will likely be delayed for at least a few more days. Lawmakers believe a list of at least some nominees will be submitted to them this weekend or early next week. Numerous media outlets are reporting that Karzai will replace most of his cabinet. One of Karzai's spokesmen was asked how many ministers would be replaced and answered, "Most likely a good number of them, most of them," but exactly who from the current cabinet will be going remains unclear.

Also unclear is the reason for the delay. US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is visiting Afghanistan this week, but that should be an incentive for Karzai to name his new cabinet as soon as possible, not an excuse to stall. With Gates next to him, Karzai could show off his shiny new commitment to better governance with maximum press coverage. That he is apparently not intending to do this lends credence to rumors of the kind of deal-making that could seriously undermine efforts to root out high level corruption.

What's more, human rights organizations have already expressed concern over Karzai's decision to keep his vice president, Mohammad Qasim Fahim, a former militia commander implicated in crimes ranging from weapons and narcotics trafficking to assassinations and civil war era violations of international humanitarian law.

When Karzai does submit his cabinet picks to the parliament, it will fall on parliamentarians to approve the nominees. Here's hoping they seize the opportunity to affirm the parliament's role as a check on executive power and show their constituents that the course of the future is not plotted by the presidential palace alone.

[Photo: Jawad Jalali (UNAMA)]

Una M.
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