KABUL: A deal to rein in a powerful Afghan warlord by forcing him to move to the capital has fallen through. General Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose personal army frequently clashes with rival militias in and around the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, had been expected to join President Hamid Karzai in Kabul as an adviser on security issues. The transfer was announced after a meeting in the capital between Karzai and local leaders late last month, but no reasons have been given for the about face.
Karzaiâs spokesman Sayed Tayeb Jawad has played down the significance of Dostumâs decision to stay in the north. âHe advises the government on military and security issues, but for the time being his presence in Kabul is not needed. He will come to Kabul if the need arises,â Jawad said. |