Jirga on BSA: Karzai’s move seen as a flop

KABUL): Political analysts and lawmakers on Monday accused President Hamid Karzai of resorting to delaying tactics on signing the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) in an effort to gain US to support for a presidential candidate of his choice.

Earlier, Karzai had told the 2,500-member tribal assembly in his speech to the inaugural session on Thursday: “I will respect whatever decision you take.”

However, when the Loya Jirga edorsed the BSA and asked the president to sign the vital pact in one month, Karzai announced: “I will not sign the pact until peace is ensured, raids on civilian houses are halted and transparent elections held.”

Younus Fakoor, a political analyst, told Pajhwok Afghan News the president was aiming to use the Loya Jirga as a pressure tool against the US but the president himself came under pressure from the very forum.

The president was hoping the Loya Jirga would take a decision in his favour but it did not happen, he added.

Shakiba Hashimi, a parliamentarian, said: “Karzai is right in asking the US to help ensure peace in the country but bringing peace in one month is illogical.”

Karzai was using all tactics in an attempt to persuade the US to support the presidential contender of his choice, she added. “The president virtually lost public support after his changing tones,” she noted.

Sayyed Massoud, a university professor and analyst said the president’s approach to tackle the BSA issue clearly showed that there were two different groups—one pro and the other is against the BSA. 

Mahmood Saiqal, another political analyst commented on his Facebook page that such kind of remarks by President Hamid Karzai created many questions.

“These all show that President and his team are failed to ensure good governance in the country,” he concluded.

ra/rm

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