Politics, Afghan-Style

Under the current arrangement, the tightest level of security starts at the massive Loya Jirga tent, where no weapons will be allowed among the 1,450 participants. Within the larger compound, only Karzai, former monarch Zahir Shah and five deputies, including Defense Minister Mohammed Fahim and Planning Minister Haji Mohammed Mohaqiq, will be allowed to bring in bodyguards. The perimeter of the compound will be manned by the First Battalion of the Afghan National Guard along with ISAF, the outer limits of the city will be patrolled by American armed forces. With these heavy security measures, a country that has been torn apart by violence may finally see weapons used to secure peace.

© 2002