Afghanistan: January 4, 2004

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The Loya Jirga has agreed on a new constitution, which establishes a powerful presidency and a legislature similar to that found in the United States. The various ethnic groups argued over how the rights of the non-Pushtun groups would be protected. The Pushtuns comprise 40 percent of the population (plus an even larger number of Pushtuns across the border in Pakistan) and have historically dominated Afghan politics. A greater problem is the endemic corruption, tribalism and the drug business. The tribe based warlords will defy a weak central government, and will fight if their economic interests (as in the drug business) are threatened. Elections for the new government will be held this Summer. 

 

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