Governor fired after criticizing Karzai

Abdul Sattar Murad, governor of Kapisa, was dismissed from his position following criticisms of the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Reuters reported today.

Although the government claimed that the governor was removed following complaints of ineffective governing from civilians, Murad contends that he is being punished for publicly expressing his dissatisfaction with national leadership.

“What is missing is leadership. Afghanistan (is) at this critical moment of its history, we don't have a leadership that can unite the national leaders, which can see the needs of people and respond to them,” Murad said in an interview published last week.

Murad’s remarks are the first public display of frustration with Karzai’s policies by a senior official since the fall of the Taliban. His comments come as civilians are becoming increasingly wary of the government’s attempts at enhancing economic development and reducing civilian deaths and corruption.

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