The New Karzai - Is he our Friend? Maybe not!

The west has been bewildered by the recent behavior and statements coming from Karzai.  Here is our man in Kabul who, without the support of the west, could soon be living with the rest of his extended corrupt family in one of their lavish mansions in either Switzerland or Dubai (bought with western aid money).  It is important to discover the source of his discontent with the U.S. military and the west.  He opposes the constant air strikes that continue to kill innocent Afghan civilians and the night raids conducted by U.S. special operators that violate the sanctuary of the Afghan home.  He would like to see his regional neighbors (Pakistan and Iran) engage in negotiations with the Taliban that would resolve the conflict - but sees no real hope of that occurring.  He blames the U.S. for problems with his corrupt and ineffective government.  So where does Karzai come off with his attitude?  One columnist, Ahmed Rashid - the author of Descent into Chaos, provides us with a portrait of who the new Karzai is.  Read "NATO's Dangerous Wager with Karzai", The New York Review of Books, November 22, 2010.