Editing Hamid Karzai

{{Short description|President of Afghanistan from 2002 to 2014}}
{{redirect|Karzai|the surname|Karzai (surname)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Hamid Karzai
| native_name         = {{nobold|حامد کرزی}}
| native_name_lang    = ps
| honorific_prefix    = 
| order               = 7th
| office              = President of Afghanistan
| term_start          = 13 June 2002
| term_end            = 29 September 2014
| image               = Hamid Karzai 2004-06-14 (cropped).jpg
| caption             = Karzai in 2004
| predecessor         = [[Burhanuddin Rabbani]]
| successor           = [[Ashraf Ghani]]
| vicepresident       = {{plainlist|
*[[Hedayat Amin Arsala]]
*[[Mohammed Fahim]]
*[[Nematullah Shahrani]]
*[[Karim Khalili]]
*[[Abdul Qadir (Afghan leader)|Abdul Qadir]]
*[[Ahmad Zia Massoud]]
*[[Yunus Qanuni]]
}}
| office1             = Chairman of the [[Afghan Interim Administration]]
| term_start1         = 22 December 2001<ref>{{cite web |title=Bonn Agreement |url=https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/AF_011205_AgreementProvisionalArrangementsinAfghanistan%28en%29.pdf |publisher=[[United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs]] |access-date=30 June 2022 |date=5 December 2001}}</ref>
| term_end1           = 13 June 2002
| 1blankname1         = Vice{{nbsp}}Chairman
| 1namedata1          = {{plainlist|
*[[Sima Samar]]
*[[Mohammed Fahim]]
*[[Muhammad Mohaqiq]]
*[[Mohammad Shakir Kargar]]
*[[Hedayat Amin Arsala]]
}}
| party               = [[Independent politician|Independent]]
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1957|12|24|df=y}}
| birth_place         = [[Karz, Kandahar|Karz]], [[Kingdom of Afghanistan]]
| death_date          = 
| death_place         = 
| father              = [[Abdul Ahad Karzai]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Zeenat Karzai]]|1999}}
| children            = 4
| alma_mater          = [[Himachal Pradesh University]]
| nationality         = Afghan
| website             = 
| battles             = [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]
[[United States invasion of Afghanistan]]
*[[Battle of Tarinkot]]
*[[Fall of Kandahar]]
[[Taliban insurgency]]
}}

'''Hamid Karzai'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|æ|m|ᵻ|d|_|ˈ|k|ɑːr|z|aɪ}}; [[Pashto]]/{{langx|Prs|حامد کرزی}}, {{IPA|ps|ˈhɑmɪd karˈzai}}, {{IPA|prs|ˈhɒːmɪd kaɾzeˈiː}}}} (born 24 December 1957) is an Afghan politician who served as the fourth [[president of Afghanistan]] from 2002 to 2014, including as the first president of the [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan]] from 2004 to 2014. He previously served as Chairman of the [[Afghan Interim Administration]] from 2001 to 2002. He was the local [[Khan (title)|chief]] of the [[Popalzai]] [[Durrani]] tribe of [[Pashtun tribes|Pashtuns]] in [[Kandahar Province]].

Born in [[Kandahar]], Karzai graduated from [[Habibia High School]] in [[Kabul]] and later received a [[master's degree]] in [[India]] in the 1980s. He moved to [[Pakistan]] where he was active as a fundraiser for the [[mujahideen|Afghan mujahideen]] during the [[Soviet–Afghan War]] (1979–1989) and its aftermath. He briefly served as Deputy Foreign Minister in the [[Islamic State of Afghanistan]] government. In July 1999, Karzai's father was assassinated and Karzai succeeded him as head of the Popalzai tribe. In October 2001 the [[United States invasion of Afghanistan]] began and Karzai led the Pashtun tribes in and around Kandahar in an uprising against the [[Taliban]]; he became a dominant political figure after the removal of the Taliban regime in late 2001.<ref name="PBS">{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/afghanistan/karzai.html |title=Profile:Hamid Karzai |publisher=[[Public Broadcasting Service]] (PBS) |date=December 2001|access-date=3 October 2010 |location=United States |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116114230/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/afghanistan/karzai.html |archive-date=16 January 2010}}</ref> During the December 2001 [[International Conference on Afghanistan (2001)|International Conference on Afghanistan]] in Germany, Karzai was selected by prominent Afghan political figures to serve a six-month term as chairman of the [[Afghan Interim Administration|Interim Administration]].<ref name="AA">{{cite web|url=http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/kar0bio-1|title=Hamid Karzai|publisher=[[Academy of Achievement]]|access-date=3 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213002201/http://achievement.org/autodoc/page/kar0bio-1|archive-date=13 December 2010}}</ref>

He was then chosen for a two-year term as [[Acting president|interim president]] during the [[2002 loya jirga]] (grand assembly) that was held in Kabul, [[Afghanistan]]. After the [[2004 Afghan presidential election|2004 presidential election]], Karzai was declared the winner and became President of Afghanistan. He won a second five-year term in the [[2009 Afghan presidential election|2009 presidential election]]; this term ended in September 2014,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8337832.stm|title=Karzai declared elected president|work=BBC News|date=2 November 2009|access-date=31 January 2010|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724141100/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8337832.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and he was succeeded by [[Ashraf Ghani]].

During his presidency, Karzai was known in the international community for being an alliance builder between Afghanistan's communities. In later years, his relationship with [[NATO]] and the United States became increasingly strained, and he has been accused several times of [[corruption]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Afghanistan election: profile of Afghan President Hamid Karzai|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/6056559/Afghanistan-election-profile-of-Afghan-President-Hamid-Karzai.html|access-date=15 November 2020|website=The Telegraph|date=20 August 2009 |language=en-GB|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616133048/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/6056559/Afghanistan-election-profile-of-Afghan-President-Hamid-Karzai.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=10 July 2014|title=Profile: Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22612226|access-date=15 November 2020|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616170325/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22612226|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=30 March 2014|title=Hamid Karzai's tangled legacy: inept failure or anti-Taliban hero?|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/30/hamid-karzai-afghanistan-tangled-legacy-taliban|access-date=15 November 2020|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013850/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/30/hamid-karzai-afghanistan-tangled-legacy-taliban|url-status=live}}</ref> He called the Taliban his brothers and warned that the heavy-handed [[counterinsurgency]] in Afghanistan would only revive the [[Taliban insurgency]] against the [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|former Afghan government]], urging the US to instead focus on bringing Pakistan's support for the Taliban leadership to heel, but the US largely ignored his requests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210820-with-taliban-talks-former-afghan-leader-karzai-makes-a-comeback|title=With Taliban talks, former Afghan leader Karzai makes a comeback|date=20 August 2021|website=France 24}}</ref> After the [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|Taliban takeover of Kabul]] in 2021, Karzai stated the Taliban did not capture the city by force, but rather were invited by him in order to prevent chaos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/the-ap-interview-karzai-invited-taliban-to-stop-chaos-/6355544.html|title=The AP Interview: Karzai 'Invited' Taliban to Stop Chaos|website=Voice of America}}</ref> He said that in order to gain [[Recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|international recognition]], the new Taliban government needed internal legitimacy, which could be achieved through a [[general election]] or ''[[loya jirga]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/exclusive-interview-karzai-says-taliban-s-international-recognition-requires-internal-legitimacy/6274709.html|title=Exclusive Interview: Karzai Says Taliban's International Recognition Requires Internal Legitimacy|website=Voice of America}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 December 2022 |title=Hamid Karzai is trying to find his place in the new Afghanistan |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/22/afghanistan-taliban-karzai-ghani-withdrawal/ |access-date=2 July 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Hamid Karzai stays on in Afghanistan |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/08/08/1115674232/afghanistan-taliban-hamid-karzai-us-withdrawal}}</ref>

==Early life and beginning of political career==
Karzai was born on 24 December 1957 in the [[Karz, Kandahar|Karz]] area of [[Kandahar|Kandahar City]] in southern Afghanistan.<ref name=theguardian>{{Cite news|first=Jason|last=Burke|title=Hard man in a hard country|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/20/afghanistan?gusrc=rss&feed=global|work=The Guardian|location=UK|date=7 March 2008|access-date=14 March 2009|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002173328/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/20/afghanistan?gusrc=rss&feed=global|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamid belongs to the [[Popalzai]] tribe of [[Pashtuns]]. His father, [[Abdul Ahad Karzai]], served as the [[House of the People (Afghanistan)|Deputy Speaker of the Afghan Parliament]] during the 1960s. His grandfather, Khair Mohammad Khan, had fought in the 1919 [[Third Anglo-Afghan War]] and was the [[House of Elders (Afghanistan)|Deputy Speaker of the Senate]]. The [[Karzai (surname)|Karzai]] family were [[monarchism|monarchists]] and remained strong supporters of [[Mohammed Zahir Shah]], the last [[List of heads of state of Afghanistan|king of Afghanistan]]. His uncle, [[Habibullah Karzai]], served as the Afghan representative at the UN<ref name="DyckAfghanistan">{{cite news|last1=Van Dyck|first1=Jere |title=The Afghan Rulers: Fiercely Traditional Tribes|work=[[The New York Times]]|page=2|date=21 December 1981|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/12/21/world/the-afghan-rulers-fiercely-traditional-tribes.html|access-date=3 October 2010|location=United States|archive-date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018120815/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/12/21/world/the-afghan-rulers-fiercely-traditional-tribes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and is said to have accompanied King Zahir to the United States in the early 1960s for a special meeting with U.S. President [[John F. Kennedy]].

Hamid Karzai attended [[Mir Mahmud Hotaki|Mahmood Hotaki]] Primary School in Kandahar and [[Jamāl al-Dīn al-Afghānī|Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani]] School in [[Kabul]]. He graduated from [[Habibia High School]] in Kabul in 1976.<ref>{{cite web|title=Office of the President|url=http://www.president.gov.af/sroot_eng.aspx?id=166|publisher=Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|access-date=3 October 2010|location=Afghanistan|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127092423/http://president.gov.af/sroot_eng.aspx?id=166|archive-date=27 November 2010}}</ref> After graduating, he went to [[India]] as an exchange student in 1976, and studied for a master's degree in international relations and political science at [[Himachal Pradesh University]], obtaining his degree in 1983.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://president.gov.af/en/page/1043 |title=Biography – Office of the President |publisher=President.gov.af |access-date=22 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907085823/http://president.gov.af/en/page/1043 |archive-date=7 September 2014  }}</ref> Karzai then moved to Pakistan and worked as a fundraiser for the [[anti-communist]] [[Afghan mujahideen|Afghan rebels]] during their [[Soviet–Afghan War|1980s uprising]] against the rule of Soviet-backed Afghan [[Mohammad Najibullah]].<ref name="bostonglobe">{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/05/22/afghan_presidents_brother_looks_back/|title=Afghan president's brother looks back|last=Stockman|first=Farah|date=22 May 2005|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|access-date=14 April 2009|archive-date=12 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512030151/http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/05/22/afghan_presidents_brother_looks_back/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Hamid Karzai returned to Afghanistan in early October 1988, late in the war, to assist in the rebel victory in [[Tarinkot]]. He assisted in mobilizing the Popalzai and the other Durrani tribes and helped to drive Najibullah's regime from the city. Karzai also helped negotiate the defection of five hundred of Najibullah's soldiers.<ref>Tomsen, Peter. ''The Wars of Afghanistan: Messianic Terrorism, Tribal Conflicts, and the Failure of Great Powers''.</ref> When Najibullah's [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan|pro-Soviet government]] collapsed in 1992, the [[Peshawar Accord]]s agreed upon by the Afghan political parties established the [[Islamic State of Afghanistan]] and appointed an interim government to be followed by general elections. Karzai accompanied the first mujahideen leaders into Kabul after President Najibullah stepped down in 1992.<ref name="observer">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/20/afghanistan?gusrc=rss&feed=global|title=Hard man in a hard country|last=Burke|first=Jason|date=20 July 2008|work=The Observer|access-date=14 April 2009|location=London|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002173328/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/20/afghanistan?gusrc=rss&feed=global|url-status=live}}</ref> He served as [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Afghanistan)|Deputy Foreign Minister]] in the government of [[Burhanuddin Rabbani]]. Karzai was arrested, however, by [[Mohammad Fahim]] (who would later become Karzai's Vice President) on charges of spying for [[Gulbuddin Hekmatyar]] in what Karzai claimed was an effort to negotiate between Hekmatyar's forces and Rabbani's government. Karzai fled from Kabul in a vehicle provided by Hekmatyar and driven by [[Gul Rahman]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150111180506/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43518438/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/t/karzai-surrounds-himself-anti-american-advisers/ Karzai surrounding himself with anti-US advisers] {{cbignore|bot=medic}}, by Kathy Gannon,</ref>

When the [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001)|Taliban]] emerged in the mid-1990s, Karzai initially recognized them as the legitimate government because he thought that they would stop the violence and corruption in the country.<ref name="WashingtonPost-2008-02-10">{{Cite news|first=Ann|last=Marlowe|title=Two Myths About Afghanistan|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/10/AR2008021001972.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|location=United States|page=A13|date=11 February 2008|access-date=11 February 2008|archive-date=15 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515201842/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/10/AR2008021001972.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was requested by the Taliban to serve as their ambassador, but refused, telling friends that he felt Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI) was wrongly using them.<ref name="PBS" /> Karzai then wanted to represent the Taliban government for the [[UN]], but the Taliban leader did not trust Karzai due to him having many links with westerners. Karzai lived in the Pakistani city of [[Quetta]] among many other [[Afghans in Pakistan|Afghan refugees]], where he worked to reinstate former Afghan king Zahir Shah, meeting the king in Italy several times. He also visited the western embassies including the [[U.S. embassy in Islamabad]] several times, talking with UN diplomat [[Norbert Holl]], and attempted to gain American support for "modern, educated Afghans" to weaken the Taliban's views. Karzai's father was reportedly annoyed with him for not making clear-cut choices and wanting to be friends with everyone.<ref name="afghanistan-analysts.org">{{Cite web|date=1 September 2014|title=Book Excerpt: Scenes of Afghan History – Hamed Karzai before 2001|url=https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/context-culture/scenes-of-afghan-history-hamed-karzai-before-2001/|access-date=15 November 2020|website=Afghanistan Analysts Network - English|language=ps-GB|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616161156/https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/context-culture/scenes-of-afghan-history-hamed-karzai-before-2001/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 1999, Karzai's father, Abdul Ahad Karzai, was shot dead early in the morning while returning home from a [[mosque]] in Quetta. Reports suggest that the Taliban carried out the assassination.<ref name="PBS"/> Following this incident, Karzai took over as [[Khan (title)|khan]] of the tribe and decided to work closely with the anti-Taliban [[Northern Alliance]], which was led by [[Ahmad Shah Massoud]].<ref name="afghanistan-analysts.org"/>

In 2000 and 2001, he travelled to Europe and the United States to help gather support for the anti-Taliban movement. "Massoud and Karzai warned the United States that the Taliban were connected with [[al Qaeda]] and that there was a plot for an imminent attack on the United States, but their warnings went unheeded. On September 9, 2001, two days before the [[September 11 attacks]] in the US, Massoud was assassinated by al Qaeda agents in a suicide bombing."<ref name="bio">{{cite web |publisher=[[The Biography Channel]] |url=http://www.biography.com/people/hamid-karzai-537356?page=2 |title=Biography of Hamid Karzai: 9/11 and US Invasion |page=2 |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527203208/http://www.biography.com/people/hamid-karzai-537356?page=2 |archive-date=27 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As the [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. Armed Forces]] were preparing for a confrontation with the Taliban in September 2001, Karzai began urging [[NATO]] states to purge his country of al-Qaeda. He said in a BBC interview, "These Arabs, together with their foreign supporters and the Taliban, destroyed miles and miles of homes and orchards and vineyards&nbsp;... They have killed Afghans. They have trained their guns on Afghan lives&nbsp;... We want them out."<ref name="PBS"/>

==President and chairman of a transitional administration==
{{Further|List of Afghan Transitional Administration personnel}}
[[File:Hamid Karzai became winner at the 2002 Loya Jirga.jpg|thumb|Karzai appointed as President of the [[List of Afghan Transitional Administration personnel|Afghan Transitional Administration]] at the June 2002 [[loya jirga]] (grand assembly) in [[Kabul]], Afghanistan.]]Karzai had been a US [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] contact, and was well regarded by the CIA.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|last=Malkasian|first=Carter|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1240264784|title=The American war in Afghanistan : a history|date=2021|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|isbn=978-0-19-755077-9|location=New York|pages=76–78|oclc=1240264784}}</ref> After the [[United States invasion of Afghanistan|7 October 2001 launch of Operation Enduring Freedom]], the [[United Islamic Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan|United Front]] (Northern Alliance) worked with teams of [[Special Forces (United States Army)|U.S. special forces]] and together they overthrew the [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001)|Taliban regime]] and mustered support for a new government in Afghanistan. Karzai and his group were in Quetta, where they began a covert operation.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/journey/afghanistan.html |title=Home Free |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=18 August 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408191839/http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/journey/afghanistan.html |archive-date=8 April 2011}}</ref> Later, many would claim that at this moment the US decided that Karzai should be the next leader of Afghanistan.<ref name=":5" /> Before entering Afghanistan, he warned his fighters:

{{blockquote|We might be captured the moment we enter Afghanistan and be killed. We have 60 percent chance of death and 40 percent chance to live and survive. Winning was no consideration. We could not even think of that. We got on two motorbikes. We drove into Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/kar0pro-1|title=Profile: Hamid Karzai|publisher=Academy of Achievement|date=2 February 2005|access-date=31 January 2010|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423173109/http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/kar0pro-1|archive-date=23 April 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref>|Hamid Karzai|October 2001}}

Karzai gathered several hundred fighters from his tribe, but were attacked by the Taliban. Karzai barely survived, and used his contacts with the CIA to call for an airlift.<ref name=":5" /> On 4 November 2001, [[United States special operations forces|American special operation forces]] flew Karzai out of Afghanistan for protection.<ref name="lose">"[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/nov/07/afghanistan.terrorism1 Taliban lose grip on Mazar-i-Sharif]". ''[[The Guardian]]''. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917214935/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/nov/07/afghanistan.terrorism1 |date=17 September 2018 }}, 7 November 2001.</ref> On 5 December 2001, Hamid Karzai and his group of fighters survived a [[friendly fire]] missile attack by [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] pilots in southern Afghanistan. The group suffered injuries and was treated in the United States; Karzai received injuries to his facial nerves, as can sometimes be noticed during his speeches.

[[File:Hamid Karzai at the US Congress on Capitol Hill.jpg|thumb|upright|Karzai speaking before the [[United States Congress|U.S. Congress]] in June 2004]]

In December 2001, political leaders gathered in Germany to agree on new leadership structures. Under 5 December [[Bonn Agreement (Afghanistan)|Bonn Agreement]], they formed an [[Afghan Interim Administration|Interim Administration]] and named Karzai Chairman of a 29-member governing committee. He was sworn in as the leader on 22 December. The [[loya jirga]] of 13 June 2002 appointed Karzai as Interim President of the new position as President of the [[Afghan Transitional Administration]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gall|first=Carlotta|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/20/world/a-buoyant-karzai-is-sworn-in-as-afghanistan-s-leader.html|title=A Buoyant Karzai is Sworn In as Afghanistan's Leader|work=The New York Times|date=20 June 2002|access-date=31 January 2010|archive-date=28 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228162323/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/20/world/a-buoyant-karzai-is-sworn-in-as-afghanistan-s-leader.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Former members of the Northern Alliance remained extremely influential, most notably Vice President [[Mohammed Fahim]], who also served as the [[Ministry of Defense (Afghanistan)|Defense Minister]].

Karzai re-enacted the original coronation of [[Ahmad Shah Durrani]] at the shrine of Sher-i-Surkh outside Kandahar, where he had leaders of various Afghan tribes, including a descendant of the religious leader (Sabir Shah) who originally selected Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747, as key players in this event.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Waldman|first=Amy|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/08/world/a-nation-challenged-politics-in-rite-of-past-afghans-see-way-to-forge-future.html|title=Karzai's coronation at Sher-i-Surkh|work=The New York Times|date=8 January 2002|access-date=31 January 2010|archive-date=11 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511213012/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/08/world/a-nation-challenged-politics-in-rite-of-past-afghans-see-way-to-forge-future.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Further evidence that Karzai views himself fulfilling a [[Durrani Empire|Durrani]] monarch's role arises from statements furnished by close allies within his government.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/magazine/09Karzai-t.html "Karzai's Labyrinth"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723110524/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/magazine/09Karzai-t.html |date=23 July 2016 }}. ''[[The New York Times Magazine]]''. Quote: "As such he's the last resort for those seeking to rectify injustice. 'In his dream he is a king,' one friend says."</ref> His late brother, Ahmed Wali Karzai, made statements to a similar effect.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091118/ap_on_re_as/as_afghanistan_karzai_s_brother Yahoo article about Ahmed Wali Karzai] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121043748/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091118/ap_on_re_as/as_afghanistan_karzai_s_brother |date=21 November 2009 }} {{"'}}Yes, I am powerful because I am the president's brother,' he [Ahmed Wali Karzai] said. 'This is a country ruled by kings. The king's brothers, cousins, sons are all powerful. This is Afghanistan. It will change but it will not change overnight.{{'"}}</ref>

As part of his efforts to unite Afghanistan's ethnicities, Karzai favored an [[Afghan clothing|Afghan dress]] that combines traditional design features from the various ethnics<ref>{{cite news |author1=Rod Nordland |title=The Afghan Leader's Hat, Always More Than Just Headgear, Is Losing Its Cachet |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/world/asia/27karzai.html |access-date=8 July 2021 |language=English |date=26 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610073134/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/world/asia/27karzai.html }}</ref> – [[Pashtuns|Pashtun]]-style long shirt and loose trousers, an outer robe popular among the [[Tajiks]] and [[Uzbeks]], and most distinctively a ''[[karakul (hat)|karakul]]'' hat worn by highlanders from the valley of [[Panjshir Valley|Panjshir]]. In 2002 designer [[Tom Ford]], who worked at the time for [[Gucci]], was quoted calling Karzai "the most chic man in the world".<ref>{{cite web |title=Karzai heads for hat trouble |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1956862.stm |website=BBC News |access-date=8 July 2021 |language=English |date=28 April 2002 |url-status=live |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414231049/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1956862.stm }}</ref>

After Karzai was installed into power, his actual authority outside the capital city of [[Kabul]] was said to be so limited that he was often derided as the "Mayor of Kabul". The situation was particularly delicate since Karzai and his administration have not been equipped either financially or politically to influence reforms outside of the region around Kabul. Other areas, particularly the more remote ones, have historically been under the influence of various local leaders. Karzai has been, to varying degrees of success, attempting to negotiate and form amicable alliances with them for the benefit of Afghanistan as a whole, instead of aggressively fighting them and risking an uprising.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}

In 2004, he rejected an international proposal to end [[poppy production in Afghanistan]] through aerial spraying of chemical [[herbicide]]s, fearing that it would harm the economic situation of his countrymen. Moreover, Karzai's younger brother, [[Ahmed Wali Karzai]]&nbsp;– who partially helped finance Karzai's presidential campaign&nbsp;– was rumored to be involved in [[narcotic]] deals. [[James Risen]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' and others<ref name="Mirage of the Good War">[[Tariq Ali]], New Left Review 50, March–April 2008. "[http://www.newleftreview.org/?page=article&view=2713|Afghanistan: Mirage of the Good War]"</ref> stated that Ahmed Wali Karzai may have been involved in the [[opium production in Afghanistan|Afghan opium and heroin trade]]. This was denied by Karzai, who called the charges political [[propaganda]] and stated he was a "victim of vicious politics".<ref name="risen">{{cite news|first=James|last=Risen|author-link=James Risen|title=Reports Link Karzai's Brother to Afghan Heroin Trade |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/world/asia/05afghan.html?ref=asia|work=The New York Times |date=4 October 2008|access-date=5 October 2008}}</ref>

==2004 Afghan presidential election==
{{Main|2004 Afghan presidential election}}
[[File:Inauguration of President Hamid Karzai in December 2004.jpg|thumb|Karzai's inauguration on 7 December 2004, after winning the [[2004 Afghan presidential election|presidential election]].]]
When Karzai was a candidate in the October 2004 [[2004 Afghan presidential election|presidential election]], he won 21 of the 34 [[provinces of Afghanistan|provinces]], defeating his 22 opponents and becoming the first democratically elected leader of Afghanistan.

Although his campaigning was limited due to fears of violence, elections passed without significant incident. Following an investigation by the United Nations of alleged voting irregularities, the national election commission in early November declared Karzai winner, without a runoff, with 55.4% of the vote. This represented 4.3&nbsp;million of the total 8.1&nbsp;million votes cast. The election took place safely in spite of a surge of insurgent activity.<ref name="Democracy Is Born">{{Cite book |last=Matthew J. Morgan |title=A Democracy Is Born: An Insider's Account of the Battle Against Terrorism in Afghanistan |url=https://archive.org/details/democracyisborni0000morg |year= 2007 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-275-99999-5 |access-date=16 September 2008  |url-access=registration }}{{Page needed|date=September 2010}}</ref>

Karzai was sworn in as President of the [[Islamic republic|Islamic Republic]] of Afghanistan on 7 December 2004, at a formal ceremony in Kabul. Many interpreted the ceremony as a symbolically important "new start" for the war-torn nation. Notable guests at the inauguration included the country's former King, [[Mohammed Zahir Shah|Zahir Shah]], three former U.S. presidents, and U.S. Vice President [[Dick Cheney]].

==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>

==Views on Taliban==
In a 2013 interview with [[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]], Karzai called the Taliban his 'brothers'. He claimed that the Afghan government and Afghan people did not want to eliminate the Taliban, but rather reintegrate the Taliban into society.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/karzai-on-taliban-im-still-calling-them-brothers/|title=Karzai on Taliban: "I'm still calling them brothers"|access-date=3 April 2013|publisher=CBS News|archive-date=3 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403090732/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/karzai-on-taliban-im-still-calling-them-brothers/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/pressoffice/2013/04/20134413140692692.html|title=Afghan President talks to Al Jazeera|access-date=3 April 2013|publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-date=21 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421074717/http://www.aljazeera.com/pressoffice/2013/04/20134413140692692.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was not the first time he called the Taliban his brothers. Previously he called them brothers during his victory speech in 2009, a day after he was declared president.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/6495487/Hamid-Karzai-reaches-out-to-Taliban-brothers-in-Afghanistan.html|title=Hamid Karzai reaches out to 'Taliban brothers' in Afghanistan|access-date=3 November 2009|publisher=Telegraph UK}}</ref>

===Attack on Taliban training camp===
On 14 September 2015, provincial police chief Gen. Daud Ahmadi claimed that Hamid Karzai had stopped an attack on a Taliban training camp in [[Logar Province|Logar]] province of Afghanistan. The camp was used as a launching pad and a military operation was being planned to deal with the camp. However, Karzai stopped them from attacking the camp. Ahmadi further claimed there were around 200 militants who were being trained at the camp at that time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.khaama.com/karzai-had-ordered-not-to-attack-the-taliban-training-center-in-logar-1514/|title=Karzai had ordered not to attack the Taliban training center in Logar|access-date=14 September 2015|publisher=Khaama Press|archive-date=16 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916030549/http://www.khaama.com/karzai-had-ordered-not-to-attack-the-taliban-training-center-in-logar-1514|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Post-presidency==
After the [[2017 Nangarhar airstrike]], Karzai condemned his successor, President [[Ashraf Ghani]], labeling him a traitor.<ref>{{cite news |author=Mujib Mashal |date=15 April 2017 |title=Calling Successor a 'Traitor', Afghan Ex-Leader Denounces U.S. Bombing |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/15/world/asia/hamid-karzai-afghanistan-us-bombing.html |url-status=live |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416061846/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/15/world/asia/hamid-karzai-afghanistan-us-bombing.html |archive-date=16 April 2017}}</ref>

Following the fall of the [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan]] to the Taliban on 17 August 2021, the leader of the Taliban-affiliated [[Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin|Hezb-e-Islami]] party [[Gulbuddin Hekmatyar]] met with Karzai and [[Abdullah Abdullah]], chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation and former [[Chief Executive (Afghanistan)|chief executive]], in [[Doha]], seeking to form an interim government with the Taliban.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 August 2021 |title=Afghanistan's Hekmatyar says heading for Doha with Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah to meet Taliban |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghanistans-hekmatyar-says-heading-doha-with-karzai-abdullah-abdullah-meet-2021-08-16/ |access-date= |website=[[Reuters]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Taliban met ex-Afghan leader Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40114270 |agency=AFP|date=18 August 2021 |access-date=18 August 2021|website=Brecorder|language=en}}</ref>

In February 2022, Karzai condemned the [[Biden administration]]'s decision to unfreeze $7 billion of [[Da Afghanistan Bank]]'s [[Afghan frozen assets|assets]] and to divide the money between humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and the victims of the 11 September 2001, attacks. Karzai labelled the decision as an "atrocity" and, while saying that Afghans sympathized with the victims of 9/11, the money belonged to the Afghan people, who had also suffered from the attacks' consequences.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gul |first1=Ayaz |date=13 February 2022 |title=Karzai: US Money Seizure 'Atrocity' Against Afghans |work=[[Voice of America]] |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/karzai-us-money-seizure-atrocity-against-afghans-/6439855.html |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Perelman |first1=Marc |date=15 February 2022 |title=Hamid Karzai criticises US move to divide Afghan assets between aid and 9/11 victims |work=[[France 24]] |url=https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/the-interview/20220215-ex-afghan-president-karzai-believes-taliban-will-allow-girls-back-to-school |access-date=}}</ref>

==Personal life and tribal lineage==
[[File:Hamid Karzai at Kandahar in June 2010.jpg|thumb|upright|Karzai speaking at a [[shura]] to tribal and religious leaders in his native [[Kandahar]], in southern Afghanistan.]]

{{Further|Sadozai (Pastun tribe)|Durrani|Popalzai}}
In 1999, Hamid Karzai married [[Zeenat Karzai|Zeenat Quraishi]], a gynaecologist by profession who was working as a doctor with [[Afghan refugees]] living in Pakistan. They have a son, Mirwais, who was born in January 2007,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/afghanistan/Karzai-weeps-publicly-in-emotional.6555597.jp|title=Karzai weeps publicly in emotional call for peace in Afghanistan|publisher=Scotsman.com|date=29 September 2010|access-date=3 October 2010|location=Edinburgh|archive-date=11 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511110137/http://news.scotsman.com/afghanistan/Karzai-weeps-publicly-in-emotional.6555597.jp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6302287.stm|title=Hamid Karzai becomes father at 49|date=26 January 2007|publisher=BBC|access-date=3 October 2010|archive-date=12 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512100439/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6302287.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> a daughter, Malalai, born in 2012 and another daughter, Howsi, born in March 2014 in [[Gurgaon]], [[India]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Rao Jaswant Singh |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Afghan-President-Hamid-Karzais-baby-girl-born-in-Gurgaon-hospital/articleshow/31561550.cms |title=Afghan President Hamid Karzai's baby girl born in Gurgaon hospital |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=7 March 2014 |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=17 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317033401/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Afghan-President-Hamid-Karzais-baby-girl-born-in-Gurgaon-hospital/articleshow/31561550.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> He became a father once again at the age of 58 when another daughter was born in September 2016 in Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.saharasamay.com/world-news/676598380/hamid-karzai-became-father-for-his-fourth-child-.html |title=Hamid Karzai became father for his fourth child |access-date=5 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905132552/http://www.saharasamay.com/world-news/676598380/hamid-karzai-became-father-for-his-fourth-child-.html |archive-date=5 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to a declaration of his assets by an anti-graft body, Karzai earns $525 monthly and has less than $20,000 in bank accounts.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100620/india_nm/india494713 ''Asset list reveals Afghan president earns $525 a month''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624133952/http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100620/india_nm/india494713 |date=24 June 2010 }}, Sayed Salahuddin for [[Reuters]]. June 2010.</ref> Karzai does not own any land or property.<ref>[http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_543224.html "Karzai earns $727 a month (US$525)"]. ''[[The Straits Times]]''. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623114943/http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_543224.html |date=23 June 2010}} by Reuters. June 2010.</ref>

Karzai has six brothers, including [[Mahmood Karzai]] and [[Qayum Karzai]], as well as [[Ahmed Wali Karzai]], deceased, who was the representative for the southern Afghanistan region. Qayum is also the founder of the ''Afghans for a Civil Society''. Karzai has one sister, [[Fauzia Karzai]].<ref name="brothers">{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-dec-19-mn-16330-story.html|title=From Statesmanship to Capitalism, Afghan Family Leads|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=22 June 2010|last=Neuman|first=Johanna|date=19 December 2001|archive-date=11 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511195313/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/dec/19/news/mn-16330|url-status=live}}</ref> The family owns and operates several Afghan restaurants on the [[East Coast of the United States]] and in Chicago.

In initial biographical news reporting, there was confusion regarding his clan lineage; it was written that his paternal lineage derived from the [[Sadduzai]] clan.<ref>[http://www.theglobalist.com/StoryId.aspx?StoryId=3528 Globalist Story] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510173236/http://www.theglobalist.com/StoryId.aspx?StoryId=3528 |date=10 May 2013 }}. 3 June 2004.</ref> This confusion might have arisen from sources stating he was chosen as the [[tribal chief]] of the Popalzai.<ref>[http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/central/11/06/ret.attacks.karzai/ Taliban run-in highlights dangers for Afghan opposition leader] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825163310/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/central/11/06/ret.attacks.karzai/ |date=25 August 2013 }}. 6 November 2001.</ref> Traditionally, the Popalzai tribe has been led by members of the Sadozais.<ref name="TAC">[http://www.tribalanalysiscenter.com/freePDF/Pashtun%20Cultural%20Factors%20Limiting%20Warlord%20Development.pdf Tribal Analysis Center Pashtun Tribal Analysis] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510205037/http://www.tribalanalysiscenter.com/freePDF/Pashtun%20Cultural%20Factors%20Limiting%20Warlord%20Development.pdf |date=10 May 2013 }}"The Durrani Popalzai tribe's Khan Khel, the Saddozai, failed to advance a competent family for leadership during the anti-Soviet period. Instead, they placed tribal leadership in the hands of Abdul Ahad Karzai, a member of a key family in the Shamizai subtribe. Following Abdul Ahad's assassination in 1999, his son, Hamid Karzai, inherited his father's mantle and can be expected to retain this tribal leadership position for the remainder of Afghanistan's conflict. Normally, the eldest son would have been selected to bear this tribal responsibility, but this son was living in the United States and was generally unavailable to serve as tribal leader."</ref> The first King of Afghanistan, [[Ahmad Shah Durrani]], was the leader of the Sadozais, and the Sadozai lineage continued to rule Afghanistan until 1826 when the [[Barakzai]]s ascended to the throne.

Karzai is believed to be from the Shamizai subtribe of the Popalzais.<ref name="TAC"/> His grandfather, Khair Muhammad Karzai, was a head of the Popalzai tribe from Kandahar who relocated to Kabul and ran the business of a guest house. This allowed Karzai's father Abdul Ahad, to gain a foothold in the royal family, and subsequently, the parliament. These actions and upwards movement within the Popalzai tribal system, led to the Karzai family furnishing a viable Shamizai clan alternative to Sadozai leadership in the aftermath of the Soviet invasion when the Sadozai clan failed to provide a tribal leader.<ref name="TAC"/><ref>[http://www.antiwar.com/orig/lohdi.php?articleid=12074 Bahlol Lodhi's bio of the Karzai family ascension] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209143901/http://www.antiwar.com/orig/lohdi.php?articleid=12074 |date=9 February 2010 }}. 19 December 2007.</ref> He is often seen wearing a [[Karakul (hat)|Karakul hat]], something that has been worn by many Afghan kings in the past.<ref>{{Cite news|date=24 April 2002|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/hamid-karzais-famous-hat-made-from-aborted-lamb-fetuses|title=Hamid Karzai's Famous Hat Made From Aborted Lamb Fetuses|publisher=Fox News|access-date=1 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501230853/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,51034,00.html|archive-date=1 May 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=27 May 2007|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/bizfocus/archives/2007/05/27/2003362700/print|title=Karakuls burst upon the fashion world|work=[[Taipei Times]] |access-date=1 May 2008|archive-date=6 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106182750/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/bizfocus/archives/2007/05/27/2003362700/print|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=12 December 2000 |url=http://www.infurmation.com/press_detail.php?id=99 |title=HSUS Investigation Reveals Slaughter of Unborn and Newborn Lambs for Fur |publisher=[[Humane Society]] |access-date=1 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060531022711/http://infurmation.com/press_detail.php?id=99 |archive-date=31 May 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=December 2000 |url=http://www.furcommission.com/news/newsF02d.htm |title=Transcript of NBC "Dateline" Feature on Karakul Production |publisher=Fur Commission |access-date=1 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510115715/http://www.furcommission.com/news/newsF02d.htm |archive-date=10 May 2008 }}</ref>

Following the [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|Fall of Kabul]] in 2021, Karzai decided to remain in Kabul with his daughters and he appealed to the Taliban to respect his life and that of his family as well as the civilians in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, With Daughters, Appeals To Taliban To Protect People |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/world/former-afghanistan-president-hamid-karzai-with-daughters-appeals-to-taliban-to-protect-people-547334.html |access-date=16 August 2021 |work=[[Indiatimes]] |date=16 August 2021}}</ref>

On 27 August 2021, prominent activist [[Fatima Gailani]] criticized him whereas the United States urged the Taliban to include him in the new government along with [[Abdullah Abdullah]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Afghan activist says Ashraf Ghani and Joe Biden caused misery and chaos |url=https://www.dw.com/en/afghan-activist-says-ashraf-ghani-and-joe-biden-caused-misery-and-chaos/a-58998732 |access-date=27 August 2021 |work=[[Deutsche Welle]] |date=27 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Taliban planning 'inclusive caretaker gov't' in Afghanistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/27/exclusive-taliban-plans-inclusive-caretaker-govt-in-afghanistan |access-date=27 August 2021 |agency=[[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]] |date=27 August 2021}}</ref>

On 1 September 2021, sources close to the Taliban said that it was "unlikely" for Karzai to be part of the new government, with a spokesperson for the group saying that the group was "ready to recruit them", referring also to [[Abdullah Abdullah]] but added that the Taliban did not want "old horses" in apparent reference to Karzai.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Findlay |first1=Stephanie |last2=England |first2=Andrew |title=Former Afghan leader Hamid Karzai unlikely to be part of Taliban-led government |url=https://www.ft.com/content/874ff094-3baf-4e48-9aa7-245f3e5d5bf2 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/874ff094-3baf-4e48-9aa7-245f3e5d5bf2 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |access-date=2 September 2021 |work=[[Financial Times]] |date=1 September 2021|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

==Honorary degrees and awards==
[[File:Hamid Karzai with Jack Kingston.jpg|thumb|Karzai receiving a [[:wikt:commemorative|commemorative]] [[medal]]lion of 11 September 2001 attacks from [[Jack Kingston]]. The medallion was forged from steel salvaged from the [[World Trade Center site]].]]
Over the years Hamid Karzai has become a well recognized figure. He has received a number of awards and honorary degrees from famous government and educational institutions around the world. The following are some of his awards and honoraria.
* A [[:wikt:commemorative|commemorative]] [[medal]]lion of 11 September 2001 attacks from the [[United States House of Representatives]], presented to him by member of the House [[Jack Kingston]] on 29 January 2002.
* In June 2002, received the Golden Plate Award of the [[Academy of Achievement|American Academy of Achievement]] presented by Awards Council member [[James Earl Jones]] at the Achievement Summit at [[Dublin Castle]] in Dublin, Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|title= Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |website=www.achievement.org|publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]]|url= https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#public-service}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= The day I met Bill Clinton for a chat about the world |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |url= https://achievement.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Irish-Times-June-3-2002.pdf}}</ref>
* An honorary doctorate in literature from [[Himachal Pradesh University]] in India, his alma mater, on 7 March 2003.
* On 6 June 2003, Karzai was created an [[List of honorary British knights|Honorary Knight Grand Cross]] of the [[Order of St Michael and St George]] by [[Queen Elizabeth II]].<ref name="bbc_6_June_2003">{{Cite news|date = 3 June 2003|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2968994.stm|title = Queen gives Karzai knighthood|work = BBC News|access-date = 1 August 2008|archive-date = 19 August 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080819203903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2968994.stm|url-status = live}}</ref>
* On 4 July 2004, Karzai was awarded the [[Liberty Medal|Philadelphia Liberty Medal]] in [[Philadelphia]], Pennsylvania. In his acceptance speech, Karzai stated: "Where Liberty dies, evil grows. We Afghans have learned from our historical experiences that liberty does not come easily. We profoundly appreciate the value of liberty&nbsp;... for we have paid for it with our lives. And we will defend liberty with our lives."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal/recipient_2004.html |title=2004 Recipient Hamid Karzai&nbsp;— Liberty Medal&nbsp;— National Constitution Center |publisher=Constitutioncenter.org |date=4 July 2004 |access-date=31 January 2010 |archive-date=3 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103072327/http://constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal/recipient_2004.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* On 22 May 2005, received an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from [[Boston University]].<ref name="bu.edu">{{cite web|date=22 May 2005 |url=http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/news/releases/display.php?id=937 |title=Afghan president Hamid Karzai challenges Boston University graduates to be guided by humanity |publisher=[[Boston University]] |access-date=11 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060911150947/http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/news/releases/display.php?id=937 |archive-date=11 September 2006 }}</ref>
* On 25 May 2005, received an honorary degree from the Center for Afghan Studies at the [[University of Nebraska at Omaha|University of Nebraska&nbsp;— Omaha]].
* On 25 September 2006, received an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from [[Georgetown University]]{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}.
* In June 2012, received an honorary Doctorate from [[Nippon Sport Science University]].
* [[Lovely Professional University]] conferred an honorary Doctorate on Karzai on 20 May 2013.

==Controversies==
In August 2011, Karzai pardoned dozens of children, youngest of who was 8 years old, who were caught attempting suicide bombing. In February 2012, two boys of who were pardoned were rearrested in [[Kandahar Province]] along with three adult militant suspects, and that they told intelligence officers they had been recruited for suicide missions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/02/afghanistan-would-be-child-bombers-arrested-again.html |title=Months after pardon, would-be Afghan child bombers arrested again |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=13 February 2012 |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=6 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506081454/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/02/afghanistan-would-be-child-bombers-arrested-again.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Karzai has been accused of nepotism, corruption, electoral fraud, and being involved with his late half brother [[Ahmed Wali Karzai]] in the drug trade.{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}

In 2009, Karzai antagonized the women's movement and NATO leaders by signing a draconian [[Shia Personal Status Law]] seen as legalizing [[marital rape]] within Afghanistan's minority [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslim]] community.<ref>Armstrong, Sally. (2014). Uprising: A New Age is Dawning for Every Mother's Daughter. (pp. 176-177). NY, NY: St. Martin's Press.</ref>

===Electoral fraud===
Under Karzai's administration, electoral fraud was so apparent that Afghanistan's status as a democratic state came into question.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6c9ef53e-97ee-11de-8d3d-00144feabdc0.html |title=/ Comment / Opinion – Fraud endangers Afghan democracy |work=Financial Times |date=2 September 2009 |access-date=30 August 2011 |archive-date=13 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813210053/https://www.ft.com/content/6c9ef53e-97ee-11de-8d3d-00144feabdc0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11353711 |title=BBC News – Fraud and corruption fears in Afghanistan elections |publisher=BBC |date=17 September 2010 |access-date=30 August 2011 |archive-date=7 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207224854/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11353711 |url-status=live }}</ref> Furthermore, a special court set up personally by Karzai in defiance of constitutional norms sought to reinstate dozens of candidates who were removed for fraud in the 2010 parliamentary elections by the Independent Electoral Commission.<ref>Rod Norland (23 June 2011). [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/24/world/asia/24kabul.html Afghan Court Ruling Seeks to Alter Election Results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723110657/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/24/world/asia/24kabul.html |date=23 July 2016 }}, ''The New York Times''.</ref>

===Financial ties with CIA and the government of Iran===
On 28 April 2013, ''[[The New York Times]]'' revealed that from December 2002 up to the publication date, Karzai's presidential office was funded with "tens of millions of dollars" of black cash from the [[CIA]] in order to buy influence within the [[Politics of Afghanistan|Afghan government]]. The article stated that "the cash that does not appear to be subject to the oversight and restrictions." An unnamed American official was quoted by ''The New York Times'' as stating that "The biggest source of corruption in Afghanistan was the United States."<ref name="nytimes1">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/29/world/asia/cia-delivers-cash-to-afghan-leaders-office.html|title=With Bags of Cash, C.I.A. Seeks Influence in Afghanistan|author=Matthew Rosenberg|newspaper=The New York Times|date=28 April 2013|access-date=29 April 2013|archive-date=28 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428232309/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/29/world/asia/cia-delivers-cash-to-afghan-leaders-office.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 17 June 2013, Senator [[Bob Corker]] put a hold on $75 million intended for electoral programs in Afghanistan after his inquiries of 2 May 14 May and 13 June to the [[Obama Administration]] regarding the CIA "ghost money" remained unanswered.<ref name="Corker">''Senator puts hold on some Afghan aid over Karzai "ghost money"'', [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-afghanistan-congress-idUSBRE95G11F20130617] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016132054/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/17/us-usa-afghanistan-congress-idUSBRE95G11F20130617|date=16 October 2015}}, Reuters, 17 June 2013</ref>

Karzai also admitted that his office received millions of dollars in cash from the Iranian government.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shalizi |first=Hamid |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-karzai-idUSTRE69O27Z20101025 |title=Karzai says his office gets bags of money from Iran |work=Reuters |date=25 October 2010 |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=22 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322061429/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/10/25/us-afghanistan-karzai-idUSTRE69O27Z20101025 |url-status=live }}</ref> Karzai stated that the money was given as gifts and intended for renovating his Presidential Palace in Kabul. "This is transparent. This is something that I've even discussed while I was at Camp David with President Bush."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/karzai-confirms-iran-provides-his-office-with-cash-1.566949 |title=Karzai confirms Iran provides his office with cash |publisher=Ctvnews.ca |date=25 October 2010 |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=22 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322051155/http://www.ctvnews.ca/karzai-confirms-iran-provides-his-office-with-cash-1.566949 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Corruption===
{{main|Corruption in Afghanistan}}
According to ''The New York Times'', many members of the Karzai family have mixed their personal interests with that of the state, and become hugely influential and wealthy by murky means.<ref>{{cite news |last=Risen |first=James |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/world/asia/06karzai.html |title=Karzai's Kin Use Ties to Gain Power in Afghanistan |location=Afghanistan |work=The New York Times |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=30 August 2011 |archive-date=27 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027022925/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/world/asia/06karzai.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012 Afghanistan was tied with Somalia and North Korea at the bottom of [[Transparency International]]'s [[Corruption Perception Index]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transparency.org/cpi2012 |title=Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index 2012 |date=6 December 2012 |publisher=Transparency.org |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=20 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320044835/http://www.transparency.org/cpi2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> and it ranked 172/175 in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.transparency.org/country#AFG |title=2014 Corruption Perception Index |access-date=23 March 2015 |archive-date=24 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524182350/https://www.transparency.org/country#AFG |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Mahmoud Karzai]], the brother of President Karzai, was implicated in the 2010 [[Kabul Bank]] crisis. Mahmud Karzai was the 3rd largest shareholder in the bank with a 7% stake. Kabul Bank incurred huge losses on its investments in villas in [[Palm Jumeirah]] in [[Dubai]]. The real estate investments were registered in the name of Kabul Bank chairman, Sherkhan Farnood. Mahmud Karzai bought one such villa from Farnood for 7 million [[dirham]]s using money borrowed from Kabul Bank and in a matter of months sold it for 10.4 million dirhams.<ref name="wp-kabul-bank">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/07/AR2010090706645.html|title=Karzai's brother financed Dubai property purchases through embattled Kabul Bank|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=8 September 2010|access-date=22 June 2012|first=Andrew|last=Higgins|archive-date=30 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730225239/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/07/AR2010090706645.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Mahmud Karzai's purchase of the 7% stake in Kabul Bank was also financed entirely through money lent by Kabul Bank with the shares as collateral.<ref name="wp-kabul-bank"/>

Karzai has admitted that there is widespread corruption in Afghanistan, but has blamed the problem largely on the way contracts are awarded by the international community, and said that the "perception of corruption" is a deliberate attempt to weaken the Afghan government.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abawi |first=Atia |url=http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/06/15717342-exclusive-us-nato-behind-insecurity-in-afghanistan-karzai-says |title=EXCLUSIVE: US, NATO behind 'insecurity' in Afghanistan, Karzai says – World News |publisher=[[NBC News]] |date=6 December 2012 |access-date=22 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322044217/http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/06/15717342-exclusive-us-nato-behind-insecurity-in-afghanistan-karzai-says |archive-date=22 March 2014  }}</ref>{{sfn|Partlow|2016|page=203}}

===Unocal connection===
There has been much debate over Karzai's alleged consultant work with [[Unocal]] (Union Oil Company of California since acquired by [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]] in 2005). In 2002, when Karzai became the subject of heavy media coverage as one of the front runners to lead Afghanistan, it was reported that he was a former consultant for them.<ref name="csmonitor">{{cite web|date=10 June 2002|url = http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0610/p01s03e-wosc.html|title = Afghan power brokers |work=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]| access-date =11 December 2007|author1=Ilene R. Prusher |author2=Scott Baldauf |author3=Edward Girardet |quote=Karzai is a former employee of US oil company Unocal&nbsp;... bidding for the lucrative contract to build an oil pipeline from Uzbekistan through Afghanistan |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070629145511/http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0610/p01s03e-wosc.html |archive-date = 29 June 2007}}</ref><ref name="atimes">{{cite web|year = 2009|url = http://www.atimes.com/c-asia/DA29Ag02.html|title = Mr Karzai goes to Washington|website= [[Asia Times Online]]|access-date = 12 September 2009|last = Marc Erikson|quote = And one further thing both men have in common is that in 1996/97 they advised American oil company Unocal on the US$2&nbsp;billion project of a Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline.|archive-date = 8 November 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091108124230/http://www.atimes.com/c-asia/DA29Ag02.html|url-status = unfit}}</ref> Spokesmen for both Unocal and Karzai have denied any such relationship, although Unocal could not speak for all companies involved in the consortium.<ref name="globalsecurity"/> The original claim that Karzai worked for Unocal originates from a 6 December 2001 issue of the French newspaper ''[[Le Monde]]'',<ref name="globalsecurity">{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/karzai.htm |title=Hamid Karzai |publisher=globalsecurity |access-date=11 December 2007 |quote=The claim appears to have originated in the 9 December 2001 issue of the French newspaper Le Monde. Some have suggested that Karzai was confused with U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad. |archive-date=11 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211203925/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/afghanistan/karzai.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Barry Lane UNOCAL's manager for public relations states in an interview on the website Emperor's Clothes that, "He was never a consultant, never an employee. We've exhaustively searched through all our records."<ref name="emperors-clothes">{{cite web |date=9 July 2002 |url=http://emperors-clothes.com/interviews/lane.htm|title=Emperor's clothes interviews Unocal Oil |publisher=Emperor's Clothes |access-date=12 September 2009 |last=[[Jared Israel]] interviewing Barry Lane |quote=Jared Israel: The other thing that is being asserted everywhere is that Hamid Karzai, the current head of the Afghan 'government' once worked for you.<br />Barry Lane: Yeah. Yeah, well that's probably one of the great urban legends. He never worked for us.<br />Jared Israel: He didn't work for somebody else who worked for you?<br />Barry Lane: No. No, not him. He was never a consultant, never an employee. We've exhaustively searched through all our records to try and find out where the hell that came from.|archive-date=10 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310213712/http://emperors-clothes.com/interviews/lane.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="usembassy.gov">{{cite web|year=2009 |url=http://cambodia.usembassy.gov/definition.html |title=Misinformation |work=[[USA.gov]] |publisher=[[United States Department of State]] |access-date=12 September 2009 |quote=all the company's records made it clear that Mr. Karzai was "never a consultant, never an employee" of Unocal. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211062904/http://cambodia.usembassy.gov/definition.html |archive-date=11 February 2007 }}</ref> Lane however did say that [[Zalmay Khalilzad]], the former [[United States Ambassador to the United Nations]], was a Unocal consultant in the mid-1990s.<ref name="seattletimes">{{Cite news|date=5 July 2004 |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001972076_fahrenheit05.html |title=Analyzing 'Fahrenheit 9/11': It's accurate&nbsp;— to a degree |newspaper=The Seattle Times |first1=Sumana |last1=Chatterjee |first2=David |last2=Goldstein |name-list-style=amp |access-date=12 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719034130/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001972076_fahrenheit05.html |archive-date=19 July 2008 }}</ref>

===Communication with Taliban===
In October 2013, Karzai's administration and the Afghan Intelligence agency were found to be communicating with the Pakistani Taliban about the shifting of power that was expected to occur if the U.S. forces withdrew in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |author=Web Desk |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/624306/us-catches-afghan-govt-red-handed-in-plotting-with-pakistani-taliban-report/ |title=US catches Afghan govt 'red handed' in plotting with Pakistani Taliban: Report |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=29 October 2013 |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222040323/http://tribune.com.pk/story/624306/us-catches-afghan-govt-red-handed-in-plotting-with-pakistani-taliban-report/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Karzai himself was in London at the time of the discovery, to participate in talks with Pakistan and the U.S. on the possible location of Taliban leader Mullah Baradar. At the time, it was unknown if Karzai was directly involved or even knew of such communications.

In May 2021, Karzai spoke with German newspaper ''[[Der Spiegel]]'', where he expressed his sympathy with the Taliban, criticized the role of the United States in Afghanistan and praised the role of the [[European Union]], at the same time, saying that the future of Afghanistan relies heavily on neighboring Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Koelbl |first1=Susanne |title="We Afghans Are Just Being Used Against Each Other" |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/former-afghanistan-president-hamid-karzai-we-afghans-are-just-being-used-against-each-other-a-81412b96-c7e5-4287-b423-fbc2b600f317 |access-date=5 June 2021 |work=[[Der Spiegel]] |date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602122101/https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/former-afghanistan-president-hamid-karzai-we-afghans-are-just-being-used-against-each-other-a-81412b96-c7e5-4287-b423-fbc2b600f317 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also considered the Taliban "victims of foreign forces" and said that Afghans were being used to be "each against the other". In November 2021, he told [[Yalda Hakim]] of ''[[BBC News]]'' that he considered the Taliban as "brothers".<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ex-Afghan president: The Taliban are my brothers|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-59505688|access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref>

===View on ISIS in Afghanistan===
Karzai, during an interview with Voice of America in April 2017, claimed that [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province|ISIS]] in Afghanistan is a tool for the United States. He further claimed that he does not differentiate at all between ISIS and the United States.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newsweek.com/hamid-karzai-us-afghanistan-isis-taliban-russia-587031|title=War in Afghanistan: Former President Hamid Karzai Claim There Is No Difference Between ISIS And America|access-date=20 April 2017|magazine=[[Newsweek]]|author=Mirren Gidda|archive-date=21 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421105418/http://www.newsweek.com/hamid-karzai-us-afghanistan-isis-taliban-russia-587031|url-status=live}}</ref> During an interview with Fox News a few weeks later, Karzai claimed that ISIS in Afghanistan is a product of the United States. He claimed that he routinely received reports regarding unmarked helicopters dropping supplies to support the terror faction. He asked for an explanation from the United States regarding the unmarked helicopter flights. He also claimed that the United States had made Afghanistan a testing ground for its weapons.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-aids-isis-says-afghanistans-former-president|title=US aids ISIS, says Afghanistan's former president|access-date=4 May 2017|publisher=Fox News|author=Hollie Mckay|archive-date=4 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104072828/https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-aids-isis-says-afghanistans-former-president|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2017 during an interview with Al Jazeera, Karzai again criticized the United States. He accused the United States of working with ISIS in Afghanistan. Moreover, he said that the United States government had allowed ISIS to flourish in Afghanistan and that it had used ISIS as an excuse to drop the [[GBU-43]] (Mother of all Bombs) in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/hamid-karzai-colluded-isil-afghanistan-171110191715544.html|title=Hamid Karzai: US colluded with ISIL in Afghanistan|access-date=11 November 2017|publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-date=17 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317035713/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/hamid-karzai-colluded-isil-afghanistan-171110191715544.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2017/nov/11/us-colluded-with-is-in-afghanistan-former-president-hamid-karzai-1698707.html|title=US colluded with IS in Afghanistan: Former president Hamid Karzai|access-date=11 November 2017|newspaper=New Indian Express|archive-date=4 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104021550/http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2017/nov/11/us-colluded-with-is-in-afghanistan-former-president-hamid-karzai-1698707.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Karzai also accused Pakistan of supporting ISIS during an interview with [[Asian News International|ANI]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=No doubt on Pakistan's role in supporting ISIS: Hamid Karzai - ANI News|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVM1FHzamSg&feature=youtu.be|access-date=28 August 2020|website=YouTube|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201074742/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVM1FHzamSg&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
* In the film ''[[War Machine (film)|War Machine]]'', Karzai was portrayed by [[Ben Kingsley]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://torontosun.com/2015/08/26/ben-kingsley-teaches-patricia-clarkson-how-to-drive-in-new-dramedy|title=Ben Kingsley teaches Patricia Clarkson how to drive in new dramedy|website=torontosun}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Afghanistan|Biography}}
* [[List of heads of state of Afghanistan|List of presidents of Afghanistan]]
* [[Politics of Afghanistan]]
* [[Mahmoud Karzai]]
* [[Ahmed Wali Karzai]]
* [[Kabul Bank]] crisis
* [[Afghan Peace Jirga 2010]]
* [[Kabul International Airport|Hamid Karzai International Airport]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Books/Articles==
* Dam, Bette. ''A Man and a Motorcycle'', Ipso Facto Publ., Sept. 2014.
* Dam, Bette. "The Misunderstanding of Hamid Karzai", ''Foreign Policy'', Oc.t 3, 2014.
* {{cite book |first=Joshua |last=Partlow |title=A Kingdom of Their Own: The Family Karzai and the Afghan Disaster |publisher=Knopf |year=2016 |isbn=978-0307962645 }}

==External links==
{{Sister project links |b=no |s=Author:Hamid Karzai |v=no |wikt=no}}
* {{Instagram|hamid.karzai}}
* {{C-SPAN}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Burhanuddin Rabbani]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[President of Afghanistan]]|years=2002–2014|order=4th}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Ashraf Ghani]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Hamid Karzai}}
{{Presidents of Afghanistan}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Karzai, Hamid}}
[[Category:Hamid Karzai| ]]
[[Category:1957 births]]
[[Category:21st-century heads of state of Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Presidents of Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Karzai family|Hamid]]
[[Category:Afghan exiles]]
[[Category:Afghan expatriates in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Afghan anti-communists]]
[[Category:Critics of Islamism]]
[[Category:Habibia High School alumni]]
[[Category:Himachal Pradesh University alumni]]
[[Category:Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George]]
[[Category:Mujahideen members of the Soviet–Afghan War]]
[[Category:Pashtun politicians]]
[[Category:People from Kandahar Province]]
[[Category:Afghan Sunni Muslims]]
[[Category:Anti-communism in Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Pashtun nationalists]]
[[Category:21st-century Afghan writers]]