Afghan leader Karzai to take oath today

KABUL: Foreign dignitaries began descending on Kabul yesterday, the eve of the inauguration of President Hamid Karzai, who is struggling to rehabilitate his reputation in the West after a controversy-marred election.

US President Barack Obama, soon to announce whether he will send tens of thousands of extra troops, said his new Afghan strategy would emphasise an "end game", ensuring US forces are not dragged into a long-term occupation against US interests.

Afghanistan's foreign ministry says 300 international dignitaries will attend today's oath-taking ceremony at the sprawling presidential palace in Kabul, including 30 presidents, vice presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers.