Afghanistan Government and Politics

Afghanistan Government and PoliticsBy: Miranda Ross-Hintze, Nicole Wenrick, and Erin Krigger

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

President - Hamid Karzai (right)First Vice President Yunis Qanuni Second Vice President Abdul Karim KhaliliCabinet of 25; ministers appointed by president

Current Government

- Post-Taliban - promise of equal right, hoping to end the reign of violence in Afghanistan - 1,550 delegates attended commission (including 200 women) Constitution est. 2004

Former king, Zahir Shah, and president, Hamid Karzai discuss the constitutional at its commission in January of 2004.

- The constitution outlines a tolerant, democratic islamic republic under a strong presidency - Welcomed as a turning point for Afghanistan and a step away from a country ruled by warlords

Political Transition: US backs political progress to help resolve conflict in Afghanistanneeds reforms to advance financial self-sufficiencyneeds to work on negotiations between themselves (political parties) and other countries

Afghanistan government cannot fund security forces, having to rely on foreign donors to fund the Afghan National Security Forces)priorities (for both US and Afghanistan) are transparent, free, and fair presidential elections new political settlement to the better balance the competing interests of Afghans factions (government of Afghanistan and leaders of major Afghan political factions, civil society, and womens groups)

In Afghanistan, political parties are seen as controversial and not a positive force by the government or the publicAfghan Social Democratic Party - After the runoff election, Abdullah alleged that government officials had conspired to stuff ballot boxes on behalf of his opponent. (left)Political Parties

-Legal voting age is 18

-October 9th, 2004, voting turnout was 80% (the normal for US presidential elections is 65-75%)Voting

In place of signing their name, voters from Afghanistan use their fingerprint.

The Taliban

- Predominantly Pashtun, islamic fundamentalist group- Formed in early 1990s- Ruled Afghanistan from 1996-2001- Central leadership headed by Mohammed Omar - Oppressive rule over Afghan people

The Taliban cut off 11 peoples fingers as punishment for voting in the 2014 presidential election.

Women were required to wear burqas, and the UN still urges the Taliban to end its abusive treatment of women. Leftover from the Taliban rule, wearing burqas is all but required in todays era.

Works Cited Katzman, Kenneth. "Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy." Congressional Research Service. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Print. Laub, Zachary. "Taliban in Afghanistan." Editorial. Council on Foreign Relations. N.p., 4 July 2014. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. . NBC News. N.p., 13 July 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. . Nickelsberg, Robert. Afghanistan Goes To The Polls. 9 Oct. 2004. Photograph. Getty Images. 51525111. Press, Associated. "Afghanistan Adopts New Constitution." NBC News. N.p., 26 Jan. 2004. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. . "Afghanistan Finally Has a New President." Time 21 Sept. 2014: n. pag. Print. Seiff, Kevin. "How Facebook is seen as a threat to Afghan unity." Washington Post 30 June 2014: n. pag. Print. United States. CIA. Government:: Afghanistan. N.p.: n.p., n.d. CIA World Factbook. Web. 6 Nov. 2014. . Wadhams, Caroline. "Managing Afghanistans Political Transition Between Now and 2014." Center for American Progress. N.p., 7 Jan. 2013. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. . Better DaysThe Goo Goo DollsLet Love In, track 42006Rock215000.92