'Afghanistan does not need another dictator'

If US President George W. Bush were to move around America surrounded by Chinese bodyguards, it would raise questions about his legitimacy as a democratically elected leader - not to mention his faith in the American people. Should the same logic not apply to the leader of Afghanistan's transitional administration?

Over the past two years, like it or not, President Hamid Karzai, who is rarely seen without his posse of American bodyguards, has solidified his image as "America's stooge". Many observers believe this will work against the "world's best-dressed statesman" come election time next summer.

In spite of frantic cabinet reshuffles and fiery speeches, by various accounts, the average Afghan on the street is no longer susceptible to grandiose promises of a brighter post-Taliban future. As they say in America, talk is cheap.

The Loya Jirga (grand national assembly), scheduled for December, will deliberate over a proposed constitution that was drafted by a commission appointed by the Afghan transitional administration. There is very much hinging on the acceptance of a constitution, without which political parties cannot be formed and democratic elections cannot be held.

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