Programmes - 6:30 Report

After several failed assassination attempts, finally Ahmad Wali Karzai the half-brother of President Hamid Karzia and Director of Kandahar Provincial Council was shot dead by his own bodyguard on Tuesday.

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The Taliban have claimed his assassination. The reason of his assassination has yet to be found. What was Ahmad Wali Karzai's role in the south west Afghanistan? What will be the faith of Hamid Karzai after losing his most powerful supporters? Will Karzai's family remain powerful and most influenced after this?

Unknown but Popular Man

In the very first day of the assassination of Ahmad Wali Karzai, the unknown man among the media became the most well-known.

Sardar Mohammad the person who shot him was the chief of his bodyguards and one of the most trusted in Karz tribe. There are speculations that Mr Wali Karzai knew him during his childhood and the two of them had good friendship.

Wahid Muzhda, Political analyst says that this man had very close relations with Karzai's family. Even he was attending the most confidential meetings while bearing a gun.

Different Methods of Killing used by Taliban

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for his killing hours after the incident. But killing of his assassin by other bodyguards put a cover on the real cause of his assassination and also the killing method of Taliban with this incident differs.

Ahmad Wali Karzai had survived ten failed assassination attempts. Most of the attempts were firing or suicide attacks. But the last attempt that claimed his life was unprecedented and tribal animosity was considered as the reason of his assassination.

Tribal Conflicts

Ahmad Wali Karzai, the half-brother of Hamid Karzai and Popalzai Tribal elder was one of the powerful face in south west Afghanistan.

He had special authorities in the south west and most of the south western governors had to obey his orders. This matter had raised the prestige of Popalzai among other Pashtun tribes. Many believe that his power came as other Pashtun tribes were dissatisfied.

Accusations:

Ahmad Wali Karzai was among those who earned a lot of wealth in the current regime and had good ties with foreign troops. It was believed that he had his shares in all the construction and logistic projects.

The most important issue Ahmad Wali Karzai faced was accusation of international drug trafficking. The issue was raised when Mr Karzai was living in a drug trafficker's house without paying the rent. The issue was discussed many times in the west media.

He consistently denied all the accusations.

His ties with CIA were also revealed and he many times defended the organisation.

Role of Ahmad Wali Karzai in Hamid Karzai's victory in the Presidential Elections

Mr Wali Karzai had special authorities in the south west and he had a vital role in the appointment and firing of officials in that region.

These powers were the reward he received from his brother. Ahmad Rashid, Journalist and analyst says: "In 2001 Ahmad Wali Karzai was his only brother who helped Hamid Karzai come to power and had an important role in bringing Hamid Karzai to Afghanistan to fight for the time against the Taliban. He organised the trip for Hamid Karzai."

According to Ahmad Rashid his support continued in the last years as well and helped Hamid Karzai become a candidate in 2009 presidential election. After 2001, his (Ahmad Wali Karzai) role was controversial because the 2009 presidential election was full of violations and fraud, especially in the south.

Influence of Hamid Karzai in the South After the Death of Ahmad Wali Karzai

Presence of Ahmad Wali Karzai was considered an advantage for Hamid Karzai in the south west, will this advantage continue to exist after his death?

Wahid Muzhdah says: "The death of Wali Karzai, will badly weaken Karzai's power in the south west of Afghanistan and will have a negative impact on him. The president will feel alone in tackling the challenges ahead of him.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Rashid believes that Wali Karzai's death will create three power vacuums. According to Rashid, Ahmad Wali Karzai had gained a strong support from all southern Pashtun provinces, especially Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul and Oruzgan, without him it will very though for president Karzai to fill this gap.

His second vital role was his advisory to the British and American troops in the south. The third one, he was in talks with the Taliban since 2007, and I believe he was the one Taliban trusted him. It would be very difficult for president Karzai to fill these gaps.

Efforts to Fill Ahmad Wali Karzai's Position

According to reports, Ahmad Wali Karzai played a vital role to bring and keep Hamid Karzai in power providing all facilities in 2001, providing assistance in winning the second presidential election and maintaining tribal support for Hamid Karzai were considered as biggest achievement earned by him.

His absence could directly affect Karzai's government. Even though Hamid Karzai's youngest brother has replaced Wali Karzai, but it's unclear how well he will fill these gaps.