Does the present cabinet reflect the ethnic composition of Afghan society?
In the not-so-distant past, people would often complain of what they called a glaring ethnic imbalance in the cabinet make-up. Even some sitting cabinet members would harp on the appointment of two ministers from Panjsher in the interim set-up. Consequently, I quit as interior minister to silence the proponents of ethnic balance. Intriguingly enough, they are silent now that there are five ministers from one particular province in the Karzai-led cabinet – thanks to political expediency. On the stump, President Karzai had vowed to address grievances of all ethnic groups and give them due representation in the government. However, he – ensconced in his presidential office – has forgotten all his promises. Q: Critics accuse you of accepting the presidential election result under duress. What would you say in self-defence? A: My detractors are at liberty to say all the wild things about me and that’s the beauty of democracy. In point of fact, my acceptance of the poll result was essentiall
