Challenges grow in Afghanistan

The cleavage between political figures on the one hand and the state and nation on the other has resurfaced in Afghanistan following a series of issues. Political controversies loom large with parliamentary and provincial elections around the corner.

A few days ago, Afghanistan's national security adviser Hanif Atmar resigned due to "serious differences over policies and principles with the government leadership".

The main reason behind his resignation seemed to be Afghanistan's refusal to attend peace talks which Russia decided to host but canceled later. But a source was cited as saying that Atmar resigned in order to run in next year's presidential election. The presidential palace, which soon named Afghan ambassador to the US Hamdullah Mohib as his replacement, said that his resignation was requested due to the deteriorating security situation in the country.