Ghani Takes the Oath of Afghan President. His Rival Does, Too.

Just leave these people. They are warlords from the 1990s and deserve to be taken out by the Taliban. They havent made one iota of movement to be a real democracy. Just leave and let what happens happen.

Those ‘defeated’ Taliban must be licking their chops just waiting to get rid of both ‘presidents’.

Chiefly, the 59 districts, approximately 14.5 percent of all, that are under the Taliban control; more, the remaining 119 districts, about 29.2 percent, that can, with certainty, be said to be contested, all, unless otherwise, that is new imperatives of the conjuncture happen to be the reasons for the above information to change - make it clear that they view the current Afghan presidency to be more specific, as, in essence, a foreign-imposed “puppet” regime. As such, it is certainly “illegitimate” and this implies that the Taliban not recognize it. The fate of the present Afghan government (or that of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan) after it ceases to, in an extremely significant way, as has long been the case, receive military support from the United States; financial assistance, too, in a way that a lot more has a meaning than solely help paying for the items of its national floor budget; this, still to see the administration or regime of the same enable to barely give the semblance that it is attempting to function, and under the calculus of removing it forcibly from power the immediate above issues of concern alone, will, in a significant way be sufficient to dislodge such government; more, where a convulsion of religious violence erupted and an array of other jihadists affiliated with other terror enterprises confidently believe to have valid reasons to attempt to exploit the chaos to a lot more, and in various ways, control the narrative - absolute theocracy.

There goes Trump's fabled "peace agreement" with the Taliban, just like his "denuclearization agreement" with Kim Jong-un, who keeps firing missile tests despite all the love letters he keeping sending the Great Dealmaker.

They’re not just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, but they’re also arguing about how to arrange them.

Well, at least this can't be blamed on Pakistan! This schism is a very clear signal that, despite having the American patronage, protection and dollars, the Afghans are simply too tribal to even manage power sharing between factions who have everything to lose if Americans leave them high and dry--as Americans will one day, maybe in within next 14 months. The Talibans are salivating over these feuds of the 'democratic' druglords of Afghanistan...

There is a reason they call Afghanistan the graveyard of empires. Even though we are loathe to leave the country in such a precarious state, it is not our place to be the policeman of the world. 18 years is enough. If the Afghans have not been able to resolve their differences after two decades, it is a waste of time to think they will given a few more years. Of course we want to make sure it does not become a haven for terrorists but we can do that without occupying the country. Having supported the Mujahideen, who are now the Taliban, when we considered them freedom fighters against the Soviet Union, we now have to accept that you reap what you sow and let the Afghans figure it out for themselves as ugly as that may be.

This is an amazing reminder that certain rivalries are not forgotten easily and remain unchanged even after passing of centuries. Same situation in Afghanistan right now. It boils down to ethnic rivalry between Pashtuns (majority) and Mughals (Uzbek, Tajik etc.,) . Most Talibans were Pashtun and most of the Northern Alliance were Non-Pashtun. Babur, the founder of the great Mughal empire of India fought the most decisive battle at Panipat, India before becoming undisputed ruler of entire India. The battle was between him (a Moghul) and Ibrahim Lodhi, an Afghan (Pashtun). No wonder, in most religions, including Islam, blind nationalism is rightfully considered poisonous.

A corrupt regime and a determined guerilla rebellion. All the ingredients of a second south Viet Nam. Back then there was the communist idoeology, support by the North and the communist block. Today it is islam, drug money, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Normally, with serious doubts about an election, there are judges and if this does not help, a repetition with tight international surveillance. But this is kindergarten.

I hope that this isn't what Donald has planned for when he loses the election. Don't think that it isn't possible.

Afghanistan is in permanent turmoil, war, continuous power struggle and more with the presence of U.S. troops and 'diplomats' since 2002. Remember the foolish and disgraceful interventions by the C.I.A. throwing thousands (or millions) dollars into the hands of the Loya Jirga followed by the iterative 'packages' with millions dollars distributed to Karzai and then Abdullah. Corruption was there before but attained gigantic proportions under U.S. 'guide'. Now the narco-'economy' will take over for good...

Ultimate Tribalism. That is what Republican party want us to become one.

Ah, they just don't want us to leave . . .

This reinforces the reality the Afghan government has yet to attain any perspective at real democracy. The end is in sight for the Afghan government..and the Taliban will prevail. It is just a matter of time. Our efforts over the past 19 years has been a waste in so many ways...tragic!

Afghanistan is a piece of geography inhabited by tribal people for whom the concept of unity under a central authority can be expected to be contentious. Local tribal leaders have traditionally been the recognized authority in all matters political and civil. Western world operational democracy not easily accommodated.

I could see this happening here next year. Sigh.