The Foreign Service Journal, December 2014

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 23 some hope of a more stable political system, along the lines of the pre-1978 Afghanistan, which had seen substantial demo- cratic progress and political and economic stability. It is not at all clear, however, that Abdullah’s executive role will entail the emergence of a genuine parliamentary system in which Afghani- stan’s myriad ethnic and tribal elements could nd genuine representation. at possible transition awaits a putative loya jirga that is to convene sometime in the next two years. Moreover, the long years of stability, respect for human rights and democratic progress of the pre-1978 period was in large measure due to the unity ensured by the long-reigning, popular head of state, King Zahir Shah. ough respected, Ghani in no sense has the stature of the former king. The tortured post-presidential election period saw intense public recrimination between Ghani and Abdullah, each alleging broad fraud against the other in the election. It is by no means clear that the personal relationship between these two leaders—in a unique, untested political power-sharing A graveyard of Soviet military equipment in the Panjshir Valley. The Soviets were never able to take the Panjshir, and their destroyed tanks, artillery, Scud missiles and other equipment still litter the landscape. Jim DeHart The tortured post-presidential election saw intense public recrimination between Ghani and Abdullah, each alleging broad fraud against the other in the election.