Afghanistan's Populist Prince

For those of the readers of this blog who know Prince Nadir - this al Jazeera link may be of interest

On October 6, Prince Nadir announced his candidacy for the 2014 Afghan presidential elections. He is among 11 figures across the political spectrum, who are running for the top job, including three former foreign ministers Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Dr Zalmai Rassoul and Hedayat Arsala, a former World Bank consultant, Ashraf Ghani, and the brother of the incumbent, Qayum Karzai.

With NATO troops set to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014, whoever follows the current head of state, the affable Hamid Karzai, will inherit the colossal challenges of coping with a crumbling economy, a spikein opium cultivation, deteriorating security conditions and an emboldened, even metastasized insurgency. 

Princess Zohra praises Nato

Our friend Princess Zohra has been speaking on the 60th anniversary of Nato. She said:

My name is Zohra Mahmoud Ghazi and Afghanistan is my homeland.

I hold no personal nor political ambition.

My contribution tonight is inspired by my grandfather, Sardar Naim Khan, (brother of Sardar Daoud Khan, the first President of Afghanistan) who’s thoughts and beliefs have motivated me through my whole life.

Being one of four daughters and a son, not once did I feel like a second class citizen to my brother. Education and aspirations for our futures were of equal importance.

Thirty years ago, Afghanistan was a functioning State evolving but the roots were cut from under us. Even in our state of chaos today, the determination of the young to be a part of the world community is thriving.

Nato’s contribution in Afghanistan can bring the stability to unify the country. This can also be achieved whilst recognising its tribal history and the ability of its women, who are resilient, proud and a valuable asset for the county’s future development.

Afghans as a whole understand good motives;

No Afghan family has escaped tragedy, and so no Afghan underestimates the importance of Nato’s commitment to long-term peace.

Nadir gets the Turban

The Pashtun tribe from which the Afghan royals come have chosen their leader. At a tribal gathering they placed the turban on HRH Prince Nadir Naim.