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Episode details

Radio 4,15 Aug 2009,14 mins

Hamid Karzai

Profile

Available for over a year

Lucy Ash profiles Hamid Karzai, president of Afghanistan and almost certain to win the forthcoming election there. Karzai is in a difficult position, though; he has to appeal to Western powers embroiled in military efforts to extend his authority across his country, but also to war-weary Afghans, who resent foreign interference and want a return to ancient tribal traditions and values. It is a complex balancing act requiring courage, leadership and character. Lucy Ash asks if he is up to it. Featuring contributions from Christina Lamb, Rory Stewart, Jason Amerine, Afghan friends of Karzai, Elizabeth Rubin, Jawed Ludin and Christopher Alexander.

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