Editing Hamid Karzai (section)

==Presidency==
{{Main|Presidency of Hamid Karzai}}

===First term (2004–2009)===
After winning a democratic mandate in the 2004 election, it was thought that Karzai would pursue a more aggressively reformist path in 2005. However, Karzai has proved to be more cautious than was expected. After his new administration took over in 2004, the [[economy of Afghanistan]] began growing rapidly for the first time in many years. Government revenue began increasing every year, although it is still heavily dependent on foreign aid.
[[File:Hamid Karzai with George and Laura Bush at Camp David.jpg|thumb|Karzai with former US President [[George W. Bush]] and wife [[Laura Bush]] at [[Camp David]] in 2007.]]
During the first term in [[Presidency of Hamid Karzai|Karzai's presidency]], public discontent grew about corruption and the civilian casualties in the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|2001–14]]. In May 2006, an anti-American and anti-Karzai riot took place in Kabul which left at least seven people dead and 40 injured.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/blog/2006/may/29/afghanistan |title=Afghanistan: violence surges |work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=29 May 2006 |access-date=31 January 2010 |first=Mark |last=Tran |archive-date=30 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830031740/http://www.theguardian.com/news/blog/2006/may/29/afghanistan |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2007, after as many as 51 Afghan civilians were killed in a bombing, Karzai asserted that his government "can no longer accept" casualties caused by U.S. and [[NATO]] operations.<ref name="washingtonpost_May_3_2007">{{Cite news|date = 3 May 2007|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/02/AR2007050202757.html|title = Karzai Says Civilian Toll Is No Longer Acceptable|newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]|access-date = 1 May 2008|author = Pamela Constable|author-link = Pamela Constable|archive-date = 21 August 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080821065514/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/02/AR2007050202757.html|url-status = live}}</ref>
[[File:Hamid Karzai in February 2009.jpg|thumbnail|Karzai in February 2009]]
In September 2006, Karzai told the [[United Nations General Assembly]] that Afghanistan has become the "worst victim" of terrorism.<ref>RFE/RL, [http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/09/9d5c90e1-de6e-4def-a053-9ba2f0aa4747.html/ Karzai Says Afghanistan 'Worst Victim' Of Terrorism ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612085114/http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/09/9d5c90e1-de6e-4def-a053-9ba2f0aa4747.html |date=12 June 2008 }}</ref> Karzai said terrorism is rebounding in his country, with militants infiltrating the borders to wage attacks on civilians. He stated, "This does not have its seeds alone in Afghanistan. Military action in the country will, therefore, not deliver the shared goal of eliminating terrorism." He demanded assistance from the international community to destroy terrorist sanctuaries inside and outside Afghanistan. "You have to look beyond Afghanistan to the sources of terrorism", he told the UN General Assembly, and "destroy terrorist sanctuaries beyond" the country, dismantle the elaborate networks in the region that recruit, indoctrinate, train, finance, arm, and deploy terrorists. These activities are also robbing thousands of Afghan children of their right to education, and prevent health workers from doing their jobs in Afghanistan. In addition, he promised to eliminate opium-poppy cultivation in his country, which is possibly helping fuel the ongoing [[Taliban insurgency]]. He has repeatedly demanded that NATO forces take more care to avoid civilian casualties when conducting military operations in residential areas.<ref name="southcoast">{{cite web |date=18 October 2006 |url=http://archive.southcoasttoday.com/daily/10-06/10-19-06/16world-nation.htm |title=Civilians reported killed by airstrikes as NATO hunts Taliban |newspaper=[[The Standard-Times (New Bedford)|The Standard Times]] |access-date=1 May 2008 |last=Kathy Gannon |archive-date=30 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630212724/http://archive.southcoasttoday.com/daily/10-06/10-19-06/16world-nation.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In a September 2006 video broadcast, Karzai stated that if the money wasted on the [[Iraq War]] had been actually spent on rebuilding Afghanistan, his country would "be in heaven in less than one year".<ref name="msnbc">{{cite web|date=<!--7:31&nbsp;pm ET--> 24 September 2006|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14986859|title=Karzai says U.S. underfunding Afghanistan|publisher=pub|access-date=11 December 2007|last=msnbc|quote=Iraq war money could have stabilized the nation against Taliban surge, he says|archive-date=30 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730092242/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/14986859|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2009 re-election and second term===
{{Further|2009 Afghan presidential election}}
On the eve of the presidential election on 20 August, Karzai seemed at once deeply unpopular but also likely to win the majority of the votes. He was blamed by many for the failures that plagued the reconstruction of Afghanistan after the toppling of the Taliban government in 2001, from the widespread corruption and the resurgence of the (neo-)Taliban to the explosion of the poppy trade. His unpopularity and the likelihood of his victory formed an atmosphere with a kind of national demoralization, which could discourage many Afghans from voting and dash hopes for substantial progress after the election.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/26/world/asia/26afghan.html "Afghan Leader Criticizes U.S. on Conduct of War"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211222833/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/26/world/asia/26afghan.html |date=11 December 2008 }}, ''The New York Times''</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/world/asia/08karzai.html "Leader of Afghanistan Finds Himself Hero No More"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723110536/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/world/asia/08karzai.html |date=23 July 2016 }}, ''The New York Times''</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/world/asia/25karzai.html "Afghan Leader Outmaneuvers Election Rivals"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723110549/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/world/asia/25karzai.html |date=23 July 2016 }}, ''The New York Times''</ref>

In this second presidential election, Karzai was announced to have received over 50% of the votes. The election was tainted by lack of security, low [[voter turnout]] and widespread [[ballot stuffing]], intimidation, and other [[electoral fraud]].<ref name="Afghan commission orders first ballots invalidated">{{cite web|last=McDonald |first=Charlotte |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i3xqZSi2U_mgENDm3TK0-yqI7I_g |title=Afghan commission orders first ballots invalidated |date=10 September 2009 |access-date=31 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413122433/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i3xqZSi2U_mgENDm3TK0-yqI7I_g |archive-date=13 April 2010 }}</ref>

Two months later Karzai accepted calls for a [[2009 Afghan presidential election#November 7 run-off election|second round run-off vote]], which was scheduled for 7 November 2009.<ref name="Karzai Agrees to 7 Nov Runoff in Afghanistan">[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/world/asia/21afghan.html "Karzai Agrees to Nov.–7 Runoff in Afghanistan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814193933/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/world/asia/21afghan.html |date=14 August 2018 }}, ''The New York Times''</ref><ref name="Hamid Karzai agrees to run-off amid fears of more violence and fraud">{{Cite news |last=Farmer |first=Ben |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/6389109/Hamid-Karzai-agrees-to-run-off-amid-fears-of-more-violence-and-fraud.html |title=Hamid Karzai agrees to run-off amid fears of more violence and fraud |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |date=20 October 2009 |access-date=31 January 2010 |archive-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003013841/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/6389109/Hamid-Karzai-agrees-to-run-off-amid-fears-of-more-violence-and-fraud.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the runoff, he secured the support of influential power brokers, including the Ismailis in Afghanistan, represented locally by [[Sayed Mansur Naderi]]. Naderi facilitated two significant campaign rallies for him, one in Kayan, his birthplace, and another in the Kabul stadium. Both events attracted nearly a hundred thousand attendees, including men, women, and youths, demonstrating the support of the Afghan Ismailis for Hamid Karzai.<ref name="Karzai in Kayan">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/world/asia/02afghan.html|title=Karzai Campaigns in Remote Afghan Valley |work=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 2009 |accessdate=28 March 2024 |last1=Wafa |first1=Abdul Waheed }}</ref>

On 2 November 2009, Karzai's run-off opponent, [[Abdullah Abdullah]], withdrew from the race and election officials announced the cancellation of the [[Two-round system|run-off race]]. Karzai, the only remaining contender, was declared the winner a short time later.<ref name="Karzai Gets New Term as Afghan Runoff Is Scrapped">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/world/asia/03afghan.html|work=The New York Times|title=Obama Warns Karzai to Focus on Tackling Corruption|first1=Helene|last1=Cooper|first2=Jeff|last2=Zeleny|date=3 November 2009|access-date=4 May 2010|archive-date=11 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511225923/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/world/asia/03afghan.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Karzai presented his first list of 24 cabinet nominees to the Afghan parliament on 19 December 2009; however, on 2 January 2010, the parliament rejected 17 of these. According to the parliament, most of the nominees were rejected due to having been picked for reasons other than their competency. A member of parliament said that they had been picked largely based on "ethnicity or bribery or money".<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8437677.stm |title=Afghan MPs reject most Karzai cabinet nominees |publisher=BBC |date=2 January 2010 |access-date=2 January 2010 |archive-date=3 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103052030/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8437677.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:2011 Afghan Independence Day-2.jpg|thumb|280px|Karzai at the 2011 [[Afghan Independence Day]] in Kabul, which is held every year on 19 August to commemorate Afghanistan's independence from [[British Raj|British]] control over its foreign affairs.]]

On 16 January 2010, the Afghan parliament rejected 10 of the Karzai's 17 replacement picks for the cabinet. MPs complained that Karzai's new choices were either not qualified for their posts or had close connections to Afghan warlords. Despite the second setback, by mid-January Karzai had 14 out of the 24 ministers confirmed, including the most powerful posts at foreign, defense and interior ministries.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8462916.stm|title=Afghan MPs reject many new Karzai cabinet nominees|publisher=BBC|date=16 January 2010|access-date=16 January 2010|archive-date=17 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117110410/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8462916.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly afterward, the parliament began its winter recess, lasting until 20 February, without waiting for Karzai to select additional names for his cabinet. The move not only extended the political uncertainty in the government but also dealt Karzai the embarrassment of appearing at the [[International Conference on Afghanistan London 2010|London Conference on Afghanistan]] with nearly half of his cabinet devoid of leaders.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8464283.stm|title=Afghan cabinet vote delayed|publisher=BBC|date=17 January 2010|access-date=17 January 2010|archive-date=20 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120033829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8464283.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since late 2001 Karzai has been trying for peace in his country, going as far as pardoning militants that lay down weapons and join the rebuilding process. However, his offers were not accepted by the militant groups. In April 2007, Karzai acknowledged that he spoke to some militants about trying to bring peace in Afghanistan.<ref name="foxnews_Peace_Talks">{{Cite news |date=24 September 2007 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/afghan-president-karzai-admits-seeking-peace-talks-with-taliban |title=Afghan President Karzai Admits Seeking Peace Talks With Taliban |agency=Associated Press |access-date=11 May 2008 |quote=United Nations &nbsp;— Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Sunday his government is working very hard on peace talks with the Taliban that would draw the insurgents and their supporters 'back to the fold.' |publisher=Fox News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423121222/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297819,00.html?sPage=fnc%2Fworld%2Fafghanistan |archive-date=23 April 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> He noted that the Afghan militants are always welcome in the country, although foreign insurgents are not.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna17980166 |title=Karzai admits meetings with Taliban&nbsp;— Afghanistan |publisher=NBC News |date=6 April 2007 |access-date=31 January 2010 |archive-date=1 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901083549/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17980166 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2007, Karzai again offered talks with militant fighters after a security scare forced him to end a commemoration speech.<ref name="reuters-Sep-9-2007">{{Cite news|date=9 September 2007|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-29427920070909|title=Afghanistan's Karzai urges Taliban talks after scare|publisher=reuters|access-date=11 December 2007|archive-date=18 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218014810/http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-29427920070909|url-status=dead}}</ref> Karzai left the event and was taken back to his palace, where he was due to meet visiting Latvian President [[Valdis Zatlers]]. After the meeting, the pair held a joint news conference, at which Karzai called for talks with his Taliban foes. "We don't have any formal negotiations with the Taliban. They don't have an address. Who do we talk to?" Karzai told reporters. He further stated: "If I can have a place where to send somebody to talk to, an authority that publicly says it is the Taliban authority, I will do it."<ref name="reuters-Sep-9-2007"/>

In December 2009 Karzai announced to move ahead with a [[Loya Jirga]] (large assembly) to discuss the [[Taliban insurgency]] in which the Taliban representatives would be invited to take part in this Jirga.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/Karzai_To_Unveil_Afghan_Cabinet_In_Days/1896326.html |title=Karzai To Unveil Afghan Cabinet In Days |publisher=Rferl.org |date=6 December 2009 |access-date=31 January 2010 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214451/http://www.rferl.org/content/Karzai_To_Unveil_Afghan_Cabinet_In_Days/1896326.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2010, Karzai set the framework for dialogue with Taliban leaders when he called on the group's leadership to take part in the [[jirga]] to initiate peace talks. A Taliban spokesman declined to talk in detail about Karzai's offer and only said the militants would make a decision soon.<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Hamid Shalizi |author2=Abdul Malek |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60Q3IW20100129 |title=Taliban say no decision yet on Karzai offer of talks |work=Reuters |date=9 February 2009 |access-date=31 January 2010 |archive-date=22 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522093538/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60Q3IW20100129 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2010, Karzai urged Taliban insurgents to lay down their arms and air their grievances while visiting a violent northern province, adding that foreign forces would not leave the country as long as fighting continued.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/karzai-issues-open-invitation-to-meet-with-insurgents/|publisher=Fox News|title=Karzai Issues Open Invitation to Meet With Insurgents|date=11 April 2010|access-date=11 April 2010|archive-date=14 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414232636/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/04/10/karzai-casts-doubt-major-kandahar-offensive/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2010, Karzai approved a plan intended to win over Taliban foot soldiers and low-level commanders.<ref>{{cite news |last=Oppel |first=Richard A. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/02/world/asia/02afghan.html |title=Karzai Approves Plan for Taliban Reintegration |location=Afghanistan |work=The New York Times |date=1 July 2010 |access-date=30 August 2011 |archive-date=13 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813054952/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/02/world/asia/02afghan.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In mid-August 2013, Attorney General [[Mohammad Ishaq Aloko]] was said to have been fired after meeting with Taliban officials in the U.A.E. after being told not to meet with them. However, unnamed senior cabinet officials tried to persuade Karzai to not fire him, while an official in Aloko's office denied the dismissal saying instead that he was at the Presidential Palace "celebrating Independence Day".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/08/2013819125050729968.html |title=Afghan official 'fired' over Taliban talks – Central & South Asia |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=19 August 2013 |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=22 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822035357/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/08/2013819125050729968.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Foreign relations===
{{Main|Presidency of Hamid Karzai#Foreign relations}}
{{See also|Foreign relations of Afghanistan|Politics of Afghanistan}}
[[File:Secretary Rice With Afghan President Hamid Karzai.jpg|thumb|Karzai with former U.S. Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]] in June 2006.]]
[[File:Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Hamid Karzai in 2009.jpg|thumb|[[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] with Karzai in 2009]]
[[File:Dmitry Medvedev in Uzbekistan 11 June 2010-13.jpeg|thumb|Karzai with [[President of Russia|Russia's President]] [[Dmitry Medvedev]] in 2010.]]
[[File:Msc2011 dett westerwelle karsai ischinger 0238.jpg|thumb|Karzai speaking at the [[Munich Security Conference|47th Munich Security Conference]] in 2011.]]
[[File:Hamid Karzai being welcomed by George W. Bush in 2006.jpg|thumb|Karzai greeting [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[George W. Bush]] at the [[White House]] in 2006.]]
Karzai's relations with NATO countries was strong, especially [[Afghanistan – United States relations|with the United States]], due to the fact that it was the leading nation helping to rebuild war-torn Afghanistan. Karzai enjoyed a very friendly and strong strategic partnership with the United States, despite various disagreements. The U.S. had supported him since late 2001 to lead his nation. He has made many important diplomatic trips to the United States and other NATO countries. In August 2007, Karzai was invited to [[Camp David]] in [[Maryland]], USA, for a special meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush. The United States has set up a special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, which is headed by [[Marc Grossman]]. His task is to serve as a [[Mediation|mediator]] and solve issues between the three nations.

However, in later years the relations between U.S. and Karzai had become strained, particularly Karzai had been very critical of U.S. military because of their high-level of civilian casualties.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interview-karzai-says-12-year-afghanistan-war-has-left-him-angry-at-us-government/2014/03/02/b831671c-a21a-11e3-b865-38b254d92063_story.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Kevin | last=Sieff | title=Interview: Karzai says 12-year Afghanistan war has left him angry at U.S. government | date=3 March 2014 | access-date=29 August 2017 | archive-date=24 July 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724021614/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interview-karzai-says-12-year-afghanistan-war-has-left-him-angry-at-us-government/2014/03/02/b831671c-a21a-11e3-b865-38b254d92063_story.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/16/22324740-civilian-deaths-spark-dispute-between-us-led-forces-afghan-president-karzai Civilian deaths spark dispute between US-led forces, Afghan President Karzai – World News<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323155716/http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/16/22324740-civilian-deaths-spark-dispute-between-us-led-forces-afghan-president-karzai |date=23 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/afghanistan-civilian-casualties/ | work=Huffington Post | title=Afghanistan Civilian Casualties | access-date=6 April 2014 | archive-date=7 April 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407100651/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/afghanistan-civilian-casualties/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019 he described a "major fight" he had with American military officials back in 2007, when Karzai repeatedly told them: "If you want to fight terrorism and bad people, I won't stop you, but please leave the Afghan people alone". In a retrospective interview, Karzai claimed he felt that he was being used as a tool by the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Constable|first=Pamela|title=Former Afghan leader Hamid Karzai grew estranged from his American allies during 10 years in power. Here's what he says about The Afghanistan Papers.|language=en-US|newspaper=[[Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/former-afghan-leader-hamid-karzai-grew-estranged-from-his-american-allies-during-10-years-in-power-heres-what-he-says-about-the-afghanistan-papers/2019/12/18/ef4ccb32-20dc-11ea-b034-de7dc2b5199b_story.html|access-date=15 November 2020|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=28 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528165140/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/former-afghan-leader-hamid-karzai-grew-estranged-from-his-american-allies-during-10-years-in-power-heres-what-he-says-about-the-afghanistan-papers/2019/12/18/ef4ccb32-20dc-11ea-b034-de7dc2b5199b_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Further strain in relations with the United States resulted in 2014, when Afghanistan, joined Cuba, Nicaragua, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela as the only countries to recognize the [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Russian annexation of Crimea]]. The United States, European countries, and most other nations wholeheartedly condemned the Russian takeover, as well as the validity of the subsequent Crimean Referendum on its annexation to Russia. Citing "the free will of the Crimean people", the office of President Hamid Karzai said, "We respect the decision the people of Crimea took through a recent referendum that considers Crimea as part of the Russian Federation."<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/world/asia/breaking-with-the-west-afghan-leader-supports-russias-annexation-of-crimea.html.story "Breaking With the West, Afghan Leader Supports Russia's Annexation of Crimea"]. ''The New York Times'', 23 March 2014.</ref>

Karzai's relations with neighboring Pakistan were good, especially with the [[Awami National Party]] (ANP) and [[Pakistan Peoples Party]] (PPP). He often describes his nation and Pakistan as "inseparable twin brothers", a reference to the [[controversy|disputed]] [[Durand Line]] border between the two states, despite the many border skirmishes that occurred during his presidency. In December 2007, Karzai and his delegates traveled to [[Islamabad]], Pakistan, for a usual meeting with [[Pervez Musharraf]] on trade ties and intelligence sharing between the two Islamic states.<ref>[[Pajhwok Afghan News]] (PAN), [https://archive.today/20070522044409/http://www.pajhwok.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=47628 "Islamabad, Kabul agree on intelligence cooperation"] . 27 December 2007.</ref> Karzai also met and had a 45-minute talk with [[Benazir Bhutto]] on the morning of 27 December, hours before her trip to [[Liaquat National Bagh]], where she was assassinated after her speech.<ref>PAN, [http://www.pajhwok.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=47687 "Bhutto, Karzai meeting proved the first & last one"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527190431/http://www.pajhwok.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=47687 |date=27 May 2008 }}. 28 December 2007.</ref> After Bhutto's death, Karzai called her his sister and a brave woman who had a clear vision "for her own country, for Afghanistan, and for the region&nbsp;– a vision of democracy, prosperity, and peace".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=1027483 |title=Bhutto assassinated |publisher=Caycompass |date=27 December 2007 |access-date=31 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512002151/http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=1027483 |archive-date=12 May 2011}}</ref> In September 2008, Karzai was invited on a special visit to witness the swearing-in ceremony of [[Asif Ali Zardari]], who became the [[President of Pakistan]].<ref>''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', [https://archive.today/20120912154827/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/09/09/international/i004147D73.DTL Pakistan's Zardari sworn in as new president]</ref> [[Afghanistan–Pakistan relations|Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan]] have improved after the PPP party took over in 2008. The two nations often make contacts with one another concerning the war on terrorism and trade. Pakistan even allowed NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan to launch attacks on militant groups in Pakistan. This was something strongly opposed by the previous government of Pakistan. The two states finally signed into law long-awaited [[Afghanistan–Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement]] in 2011, intended to improve trade.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2010/11/29/afghan-pakistan-chamber-commerce-set |title=Afghan-Pakistan chamber of commerce set up |first=Abdul Qadir |last=Siddiqui |publisher=Pajhwok Afghan News |date=29 November 2010 |access-date=10 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727051041/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2010/11/29/afghan-pakistan-chamber-commerce-set |archive-date=27 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2010/12/05/pakistan-resolve-afghan-traders-problems |title=Pakistan to resolve Afghan traders' problems |first=Abdul Qadir |last=Siddiqui |publisher=Pajhwok Afghan News |date=5 December 2010 |access-date=10 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727051053/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2010/12/05/pakistan-resolve-afghan-traders-problems |archive-date=27 July 2011 }}</ref> Karzai acknowledges Pakistan's meddling in Afghanistan's wars, but said in a 2015 interview that Afghanistan wants a "friendly relationship but not to be under Pakistan's thumb".<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 March 2015|title=Hamid Karzai: Afghanistan should not give up control of its foreign policy|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/09/hamid-karzai-if-we-give-up-control-of-our-foreign-policy-pakistan-taliban-ashraf-ghani-india|access-date=15 November 2020|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108095800/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/09/hamid-karzai-if-we-give-up-control-of-our-foreign-policy-pakistan-taliban-ashraf-ghani-india|url-status=live}}</ref>

Karzai believed that [[Afghanistan–Iran relations|Iran is a friend]] although the U.S. often claims that neighboring Iran is meddling in Afghanistan's affairs.<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghan-spies22-2009sep22,0,3144734.story "U.S. says Pakistan, Iran helping Taliban"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925043654/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghan-spies22-2009sep22,0,3144734.story |date=25 September 2009 }}, ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''</ref>

In 2007, Karzai said that Iran, so far, had been a helper in the reconstruction process.<ref name="news.com-at odds">{{Cite news |author=correspondents in Washington |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22195371-23109,00.html |title=Karzai at odds with US over Iran |publisher=News |date=6 August 2007 |access-date=31 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007221510/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22195371-23109,00.html |archive-date=7 October 2008  }}</ref> He acknowledged in 2010 that the [[Politics of Iran|Government of Iran]] had been providing millions of dollars directly to his office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101026/ap_on_re_as/as_afghan_iran_11|title=Karzai says his office gets cash from Iran, US}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/world/asia/26karzai.html "Karzai Rails Against America in Diatribe"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502225321/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/world/asia/26karzai.html |date=2 May 2017 }}, ''The New York Times''</ref> In October 2007, Karzai again rejected Western accusations against Iran, stating, "We have resisted the negative propaganda launched by foreign states against the Islamic Republic, and we stress that aliens' propaganda should not leave a negative impact on the consolidated ties between the two great nations of Iran and Afghanistan."<ref name="farsnews">{{cite web|date=20 October 2007 |url=http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.php?nn=8607280722 |title=Karzai Underlines Strong Bonds between Iran and Afghanistan |publisher=Fars News |access-date=11 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071110222952/http://english.farsnews.ir/newstext.php?nn=8607280722 |archive-date=10 November 2007 }}</ref> Karzai added, "The two Iranian and Afghan nations are close to each other due to their bonds and commonalities, they belong to the same house, and they will live alongside each other for good."<ref name="IRNA">{{cite web|date=20 October 2007 |url=http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0710207137174726.htm |title=Karzai: Anti-Iran propaganda cannot have impact on Tehran-Kabul friendly ties Tehran |publisher=IRNA |access-date=11 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203022328/http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0710207137174726.htm |archive-date=3 February 2008  }}</ref>

[[File:P032810PS-0305 (5307167575).jpg|thumb|[[Barack Obama]] meets with Karzai at the [[Presidential Palace]] in Kabul, Afghanistan.]]
Some international criticism has centered around the government of Karzai in early 2009 for failing to secure the country from Taliban attacks, systemic governmental corruption, and widespread claims of electoral fraud in the [[2009 Afghan presidential election]].<ref name="news.yahoo.com">[[Associated Press]], [https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090907/ap_on_re_as/eu_afghanistan_karzai_1 Karzai says U.S. 'attacking' him over election] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="in.reuters.com">{{Cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-43144720091014|title=Future Karzai cabinet to balance 'warlords' and West|date=14 October 2009|work=Salahuddin, Sayed|access-date=14 October 2009|archive-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813210053/https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-43144720091014?edition-redirect=in|url-status=dead}}</ref> Karzai staunchly defended the election balloting, stating that some statements criticizing the balloting and vote count were "totally fabricated". He told the media that, "There were instances of fraud, no doubt&nbsp;... There were irregularities&nbsp;... But the election as a whole was good and free and democratic." He further went on to say that, "Afghanistan has its separate problems and we have to handle them as Afghanistan finds it feasible&nbsp;... This country was completely destroyed&nbsp;... Today, we are talking about fighting corruption in Afghanistan, improved legal standards&nbsp;... You see the glass half empty or half full. I see it as half full. Others see it as half empty."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091013/ap_on_re_as/us_us_afghanistan_karzai|title=Karzai staunchly defends Afghan election balloting}}</ref> A 2019 ''[[Washington Post]]'' report described Karzai as ruling a "corrupt" government that was tolerated by the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whitlock |first1=Craig |title=The Afghanistan Papers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/afghanistan-papers/afghanistan-war-confidential-documents/?tid=top_nav&itid=lk_inline_manual_2 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=9 December 2019}}</ref>

In June 2010, Karzai travelled to [[Japan]] for a five-day visit where the two nations discussed a new aid provided by the hosting nation and the untapped mineral resources recently announced. Karzai invited Japanese companies such as [[Mitsubishi]] and others to invest in Afghan mining projects.<ref>{{cite news|last=Le|first=Adam |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?sid=a6WXwK9a_1SM&pid=20601087 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720225925/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?sid=a6WXwK9a_1SM&pid=20601087 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 July 2012 |title=Karzai Invites Mitsubishi to Invest in Afghan Mining Projects|publisher=Bloomberg|date=19 June 2010|access-date=30 August 2011}}</ref> He told Japanese officials that Japan would be given priority in the bid to explore its resources. He stated, "morally, Afghanistan should give access as a priority to those countries that have helped Afghanistan massively in the past few years."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna37803781|title=Karzai: Japan gets priority in Afghan mining|publisher=NBC News|date=20 June 2010|access-date=30 August 2011|archive-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813210153/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna37803781|url-status=live}}</ref> While in Japan, Karzai also made his first visit to [[Hiroshima]] to pray for the atomic bomb victims.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100619/wl_sthasia_afp/japanafghanistandiplomacynuclearwwii_20100619063609|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623151718/http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100619/wl_sthasia_afp/japanafghanistandiplomacynuclearwwii_20100619063609 |url-status=dead |title=Karzai visits Hiroshima to pray for atomic bomb victims|archive-date=23 June 2010}}</ref> Japan has provided billions of dollars in aid to Afghanistan since the beginning of 2002.

On 16 July 2014, President Karzai held a special cabinet meeting where he condemned the [[2014 Israel–Gaza conflict|Israeli attacks on Gaza]] and the killings of civilians while pledging $500,000 USD in aid to [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://president.gov.af/en/news/34839 | title=Afghanistan to assist $500,000 in show of sympathy to the people of Gaza | work=Office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan | date=16 July 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729015036/http://president.gov.af/en/news/34839 | archive-date=29 July 2014 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

Relations between Karzai and India have always been friendly; he attended university there. [[Afghanistan–India relations]] began getting stronger in 2011, especially after the [[death of Osama bin Laden]] in Pakistan. In October 2011, Karzai signed a strategic partnership agreement with [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Manmohan Singh]]. During his speech at the ''RK Mishra Memorial'' in New Delhi, Karzai told the audience that "The signing of the strategic partnership with India is not directed against any country. It is not directed against any other entity. This is for Afghanistan to benefit from the strength of India."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/karzai-reassures-pakistan-over-india-alliance-152948013.html |title=Karzai reassures Pakistan over India alliance |agency=AFP |date=5 October 2011 |access-date=6 October 2011 }} {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

===Assassination attempts===
{{Main|Assassination attempts on Hamid Karzai}}
[[File:DEVGRU soldiers protecting Hamid Karzai.jpg|thumb|Bodyguards from ''[[United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group]]'' provide close protection for Karzai.]]
Many people have plotted to assassinate Karzai, especially the Taliban's [[Quetta Shura]] and the Taliban-allied [[Haqqani network]] which allegedly receives support and guidance from Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI) spy network.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-condemns-us-comments-spy-agency-044440789.html;_ylt=A2KJ3vVYX3xOdRkA9EZXNyoA?rnd=005681253004174930714413 |title=Pakistan condemns US comments about spy agency |agency=Associated Press |date=23 September 2011 |access-date=23 September 2011 |archive-date=27 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727053454/http://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-condemns-us-comments-spy-agency-044440789.html%3B_ylt%3DA2KJ3vVYX3xOdRkA9EZXNyoA?rnd=005681253004174930714413 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="US-blames-Pakistan">{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-isi-urged-attacks-u-targets-officials-002201562.html |title=U.S. blames Pakistan agency in Kabul attack |agency=Reuters |date=22 September 2011 |access-date=22 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925075845/http://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-isi-urged-attacks-u-targets-officials-002201562.html |archive-date=25 September 2011 }}</ref> As recent as October 2011, while Karzai was visiting India to sign an important strategic partnership agreement with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Afghan agents of the [[National Directorate of Security]] (NDS) arrested 6 people in Kabul for planning to assassinate Karzai. Among those involved in the assassination plot were four [[Kabul University]] students and one of its professors, Dr. Aimal Habib, as well as Mohibullah Ahmadi who was one of the guards outside the Presidential Palace in Kabul.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Healy |first1=Jack |last2=Rahimi |first2=Sangar |title=Plot to Kill Afghan President Karzai Is Foiled |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/world/asia/plot-to-kill-afghan-president-karzai-is-foiled.html |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=5 October 2011}}</ref> The alleged group of assassins were associates of [[al Qaida]] and the Haqqani network, and were paid $150,000 by Pakistani-based Islamic terrorists.<ref>{{cite news |title=Afghan official: Karzai assassination plot foiled |agency=AP |first=Amir |last=Shah |date=6 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/oukwd-uk-afghanistan-karzai-idAFTRE79424Q20111005 |title=Plot to kill Afghan president foiled – agency |work=Reuters |first=Hamid |last=Shalizi |date=5 October 2011 |access-date=6 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Khetab |first1=Muhammad Hassan |title=Plot to kill president foiled; 6 detained |url=http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2011/10/05/plot-kill-president-foiled-6-detained |work=Pajhwok Afghan News |date=5 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420170430/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2011/10/05/plot-kill-president-foiled-6-detained |archive-date=20 April 2013}}</ref> A U.S. official said that "Our understanding is that the threat against President Karzai was real, was credible, but it was only in the early stages of planning."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2011/10/07/plot-kill-karzai-was-real-credible-us |title=Plot to kill Karzai was real, credible: US |publisher=Pajhwok.com |date=7 October 2011 |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=22 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322045746/http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2011/10/07/plot-kill-karzai-was-real-credible-us |url-status=live }}</ref> The following is a list of other failed assassination attempts:
* 5 September 2002: An assassination attempt was made on Karzai in the city of Kandahar. A gunman wearing the uniform of the new [[Afghan National Army]] opened fire, wounding [[Gul Agha Sherzai]] (former governor of Kandahar) and an American Special Operations officer. The gunman, one of the President's bodyguards, and a bystander who knocked down the gunman were killed when Karzai's American bodyguards returned fire. Some pictures of the [[United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group]] (DEVGRU) responding to the attempt have surfaced.
* 16 September 2004: An attempted assassination on Karzai took place when a rocket missed the [[helicopter]] he was flying in while en route to the city of [[Gardez]] in eastern Afghanistan.
* 10 June 2007: Taliban insurgents attempted to assassinate Karzai in [[Ghazni]] where he was giving a speech to elders. Insurgents fired approximately 12 rockets, some of which landed {{convert|200|m|yd}} away from the crowd. Karzai was not hurt in the incident and was transported away from the location after finishing his speech.<ref name="iht-2007-06-11">{{cite news|date=10 June 2007 |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/11/asia/AS-GEN-Afghan-Violence.php |title=UN 'outraged' after assassination attempt on Karzai |agency=Associated Press |access-date=11 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208190934/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/11/asia/AS-GEN-Afghan-Violence.php |archive-date=8 February 2008 }}</ref><ref name="timesonline">{{cite news|date=11 June 2007|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1913019.ece|title=Taleban fail in rocket attempt on Karzai's life|work=[[The Times]]|location=UK|access-date=11 December 2007|last=Tim Albone in Kabul|archive-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813210119/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="bbc_Karzai_unhurt">{{cite news|date=10 June 2007|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6738201.stm|title=Karzai unhurt in Taleban attack|work=BBC News|access-date=1 May 2008|archive-date=19 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080819203904/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6738201.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 27 April 2008: Insurgents, reportedly from the [[Haqqani network]], used [[automatic weapons]] and [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s to attack a military parade that Karzai was attending in [[Kabul]].<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/world/asia/28afghan.html "Karzai Escapes Attack in Kabul by Gunmen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516140636/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/world/asia/28afghan.html |date=16 May 2017 }}, ''The New York Times''</ref> Karzai was safe, but at least three people were killed, including a parliamentarian, a ten-year-old girl and a minority leader, and ten injured.<ref>Gopal, Amand, "[http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0601/p10s01-wosc.html The most deadly US foe in Afghanistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611150034/http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0601/p10s01-wosc.html |date=11 June 2009 }}", ''Christian Science Monitor'', 31 May 2009</ref><ref name="smh-attempt-on-karzais">{{cite news|date=28 April 2008 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/leaders-attack-attempt-on-karzais-life/2008/04/28/1209234703430.html |title=Leaders attack attempt on Karzai's life |work=Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=1 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501165958/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/leaders-attack-attempt-on-karzais-life/2008/04/28/1209234703430.html |archive-date=1 May 2008 }}</ref><ref name="guardian_Karzai_survives">{{cite news|date=28 April 2008|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/28/afghanistan|title=Karzai survives Taliban assassination attempt during military parade|work=The Guardian|location=UK|access-date=1 May 2008|last=Walsh|first=Declan|archive-date=30 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430235554/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/28/afghanistan|url-status=live}}</ref> Others attending the event included government ministers, former warlords, diplomats and the military top brass, all of whom had gathered to mark the 16th anniversary of the fall of the Afghan communist government to the mujahideen.<ref name="MSNBC_Afghan_president_survives">{{cite web|date=<!--2:04&nbsp;pm ET--> 27 April 2008|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna24332573|title=Afghan president survives assassination bid|publisher=[[NBC News]]|access-date=1 May 2008|quote=ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of Afghanistan's victory over the Soviet invasion|archive-date=11 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011024432/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24332573/|url-status=live}}</ref> Responding to the attack during the ceremony, the UN said the attackers "have shown their utter disrespect for the history and people of Afghanistan".<ref name="google_Afghan_president_escapes">{{cite web|year=2008 |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hmW-4fUkegeSQ3uAx2VRfXwxQ-YA |title=Afghan president escapes deadly parade attack |access-date=1 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002073227/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hmW-4fUkegeSQ3uAx2VRfXwxQ-YA |archive-date=2 October 2009 }}</ref> Taliban spokesman [[Zabiullah Mujahid]] claimed responsibility for the attack, stating, "We fired rockets at the scene of the celebration." He went on to say there were six Taliban at the scene and that three were killed. "Our aim was not to directly hit someone", Mujahed said when asked if the intention was to kill Karzai. "We just wanted to show to the world that we can attack anywhere we want to".<ref name="google_Afghan_president_escapes"/> The ability of the attackers to get so close to Karzai suggested they had inside help. Defense minister Wardak confirmed that a police captain was connected with the group behind the assassination attempt and that an army officer supplied the weapons and ammunition used in the attack.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/05/world/asia/05afghan.html "Police and Army Officers Tied to Attempt on Karzai's Life"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723110645/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/05/world/asia/05afghan.html |date=23 July 2016 }}. ''The New York Times''</ref> Warlord insurgent [[Gulbuddin Hekmatyar]] also reportedly claimed responsibility.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chu|first=M. Karim Faiez and Henry|date=28 April 2008|title=Fears grow after attack on Karzai|url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Fears-grow-after-attack-on-Karzai-3286343.php|access-date=15 November 2020|website=SFGATE|language=en-US|archive-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224002100/https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Fears-grow-after-attack-on-Karzai-3286343.php|url-status=live}}</ref>