Karzai seen winning bid for strong Afghan president

[leftward]

By Sayed Salahuddin

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai appears to be winning the upper hand in his battle for sweeping presidential powers under a new constitution.

About 500 delegates have gathered in Kabul this week under tight security for a Loya Jirga, or Grand Assembly, designed to finalise a constitution to pave the way to the country's first free elections next year.

When the meeting opened on Sunday there was widespread opposition to Karzai's bid to enshrine strong presidential powers in the constitution. But on Tuesday delegates said the Afghan leader and his American allies appeared to be winning the fight.

"Karzai's supporters have an upper hand," said a cabinet minister, who declined to be identified.

http://www.reuters.com/locales/newsArticle.jsp?type=worldNews&locale=en_IN&storyID=4002226

[Tempest]

1. All Hail The President Of...

Kabal!

He still won't be able to travel outside of the city without getting shot at.