How to Save Karzai

Seth G. Jones, Foreign Policy | July 21, 2008

There is a chorus of America’s closest allies who criticize Karzai because he is not making progress in his fight against militants and corruption in his own government. ++ But he is still the best candidate for the 2009 presidential elections, because he is Pashtun, retains broad multiethnic support, and is Afghanistan’s most popular leader. ++ Karzai needs Western assistance to build up a police force he can trust. ++ Furthermore, the support of the US is critical to stop militants crossing over from Pakistan.