U.N. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, who has hinted that he will be leaving his post later this year, is frequently rumored to be considering a run for the presidency of Afghanistan. The Afghan-born Khalilzad again tried to quash the rumors Friday, although it was something less than an iron-clad denial.
"I'm not a candidate. I'm not planning to be a candidate," Khalilzad told a questioner (who apparently hoped for a different answer) during a session at the German Marshall Fund in Washington. Khalilzad said he hopes to return to the private sector ... in a position where he could help Afghanistan and Iraq. He's been ambassador to both places.
Meanwhile, it's TGIF. A busy first week here at Nukes & Spooks. And a busy week in the world, with revelations about Syria's nuclear reactor built with North Korea's help, continued crisis in Zimbabwe, the announcement of promotions for Gen. David Petraeus and Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, and much more.
Back Monday ... or sooner.
How about calling them the "alleged revelations about Syria's nuclear power"?
Posted by: Eileen | April 26, 2008 at 01:13 PM
'with revelations about Syria's nuclear reactor built with North Korea's help,'
Don't you think you ought to add the word 'alleged' in their somewhere, or are you going to be just yet another gullible Pentagon mouthpiece?
Posted by: drindl | April 26, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Khalilzad most probably is aUS national and his export to Afghanistan will bring more discredit to the US administration for shipping rulers of their choice to other countries. In this era of gradual democratization when common people are getting more vocal in chosing their law makers and rulers it is not in keeping with the changing phenomenon.
Khalilzad may of more use to the US in other capacities.
The discussion that government of NWFP has started with the militants and the move been supported by President Karzai may bring about a qualitative change in the environment, initially in Pakistan and may possibly in Afghanistan as well. When real peace returns to the region, US and other NATO countries will have no cause to remain in the region. However, if they insist on staying it will be for reasons other than stated.
Posted by: Tariq Mahmood | April 27, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Zalmay Khalil zad will be the real one whom ithink having capability of correcting the mess and he knows the places of terrorism and promoters of the menace.
Posted by: Zar ali musazai | April 27, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I believe that Khalilzad has a strong leadership capacity who knows today's politics. If he is a nominee for the Afghan presidency, I sure will vote for him regardless of which nationality he has -He is an Afghan American so he can be our president. Lack of human resources and strong leadership here in Afghanistan makes me vote for a person like Khalilzad. I think it is time to rectify our past errors and bring this guy in Afghanistan should we want a good future for the war torn country. I hope he is our next president!
Posted by: Sohail | April 29, 2008 at 02:58 AM
"alleged revelations about Syria's nuclear power"?
They had video tape of North Koreans working alongside Syrians in a reactor that was almost a spitting image of the Pyongyang reactor with fuel rod mounts and everything.
Throw in North Korea's furious reaction that followed immediately after the site was bombed and there's no need for the "alleged" label on this one.
Posted by: mike | April 30, 2008 at 05:30 PM
[Khalilzad said he hopes to return to the private sector ... in a position where he could help Afghanistan and Iraq]
Read: War Profiteering.
Posted by: Another cynic | May 02, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Although Khalilzad is a good leader and was successful in the posts he worked before, he can not be that much successful in Afghanistan. I beleive Afghans do not vote for him, since he is known remarkebly as a US citizen rather than an Afghan. The problem in Afghanistan is not with indivaduls, it is the problem of the groups (fundamentals, Western Supported groups) and lack of honesty by the international community to help Afghanistan be stabilized.
Posted by: Shayan | May 11, 2008 at 02:59 AM