Hazara Nation

By: iStockAnalyst
Text of an un-attributed article entitled: "Will Khalili turn his back on Karzai?" published by Afghan independent secular daily newspaper Hasht-e Sobh on 12 July

A reliable source in Kabul reports that Karim Khalili, the second- vice president, has resigned as chairman of the DIAG [Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups] programme. This source says that Mr Khalili did not attend a meeting of the vice-presidents either, and that he is now consulting elders of the Hazara tribe and leaders of Shi'i political parties and is exchanging views with them on the continuation of his cooperation as Mr Karzai's vice-president.

Mr Khalili's decision comes as, on the one hand, clashes have restarted between Hazara villagers and nomads in Behsud [District of Maydan Wardag Province], and on the other, rumours are going around that the elections are to be postponed. Many analysts say there are reports that Mohammad Karim Khalili will be one of the possible vice- presidents of Mr Karzai in the second round of elections. It is now seen after four years that Mr Khalili's patience has also worn thin because of Karzai's work methods.

Ahmad Zia Masud [the first vice-president] has also criticized Mr Karzai's method of governance many times in the past, and over the last one year, he has been practically in opposition. Even now, Ahmad Zia Masud acts more as an active spokesman for the National Front than supporting the government's view. Though Karim Khalili is counted as one of the most harmless members of Karzai's team and has never criticized the government over the past four years, he now follows the policy of the first vice-president.

Some believe that the main reason behind the discontent of the second vice-president is apparently the issue of nomads. Speaking at a meeting attended by elders and political parties of the people of the Hazara tribe last winter, Mr Khalili spoke of an honourable solution to the problem, but the tension has again increased in the spring of the current year, and the government has so far failed to put an end to the tension. Some analysts believe that the problem of nomads has now become a political interest-seeking issue for political leaders of both sides, and instead of offering a solution to the problem, both sides are mostly trying to take advantage of the opportunity.

Now there are specific circles on both sides which are after restoring their lost political and social prestige among the people, using tribal sentiments. Mr Khalili's decision can be part of his new policies to attract the attention of the Hazaras towards a new political leadership for them in a competitive atmosphere. The other reason why the second vice-president took the decision is to allegedly weaken the political position of President Karzai in the eyes of the public and the international community.

Mr Khalili knows better than anyone else that if the elections are not held, there is the possibility of an emergency situation and holding of a loya jerga, in which case the two vice presidents may not keep their current positions. Therefore, he is trying to turn his back on Karzai in an honourable manner, and by making a justifiable pretext before any change takes place, join the other front.

If Mr Khalili really resigns, what will be the position of the president in the absence of coordination and cooperation of the two vice-presidents who represent the Hazara and Tajik tribes?

Anyway, which front will the second vice-president join if he leaves Mr Karzai's working team?

Will the secret good relations between Mr Khalili and the National Front help him join the Front, or will he open a new front? One should wait and see what role he is going to play this time.

Story Source: BBC Monitoring South Asia