Afghanistan's interim leader Hamid Karzai on Tuesday proposed that former king Mohammed Zahir Shah be formally titled "Father of the Nation" and given a series of important ceremonial responsibilities. "We would like to give him the title of 'Father of the Nation' but this has to be approved by the Loya Jirga," he said at the opening of the traditional gathering which will select a new transitional government for Afghanistan.
Karzai, who is expected to be appointed head of state in the new administration, proposed seven jobs for the popular 87-year-old former monarch, who returned to his homeland in April after nearly 30 years in exile in Italy. The first three are for him to inaugurate the Loya Jirga, the National Council -- or parliament -- and the drafting of the constitution. The fourth is his participation at the "highest level" on national days, meaning that events mandated under state protocol, like inspecting the national guard, will be presided over by the ex-king. The fifth and sixth are that he acts as "the upholder of peace" in the nation, and be responsible for the conferring of state titles and medals. Finally, Karzai proposed that after the week-long Loya Jirga, Zahir Shah again take up residence at the presidential palace where he lived for 60 years before his ouster.
Uh, Hamid? It sounds like you've just described what a constitutional monarch does. Only difference is that he won't be head of state... |