New opposition coalition formed to challenge Karzai gov't

A new political coalition called " National Front of Afghanistan" came into being on Friday to challenge the present administration run by President Hamid Karzai in the war-torn Afghanistan, local media reported Saturday. "The formation of the new political coalition consisting of prominent political figures and their parties was announced yesterday (on Friday) in Kabul," the Daily Outlook reported in its front page on Saturday. Leadership of the platform, teamed by former Vice President Ahmad Zia Masoud, legislator and leader of the People's Unity Party of Afghanistan Hajji Mohammad Mohaqiq, former strongman of the north and head of the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan General Abdul Rashid Dustam, former spy agency chief Amrullah Saleh and tribal leader Hajji Aman Khairi from eastern Nangahar province, had criticized the Karzai government for what they described "a failed administration" and advocated for the decentralization of power. "It is the time for an effective leadership which could unite the country. The present government has lost its credibility among Afghans and the international community," the newspaper quoted Zia Masoud as saying. "Our political system needs fundamental changes and the present status quo is leading Afghanistan towards even deeper crisis," the Outlook quoted Zia Masoud as saying. Afghanistan's current political system is a U.S.-like presidential system and the president is elected for a five-year term. Many opposition figures have been advocating for a parliamentary system and having the prime minister to run the government. Mohammad Mohaqiq said the formation ceremony of the new political coalition lashed at President Karzai's administration, adding that "Mismanagement, and government performances according to personal whim and flawed system are the core reasons behind the present deadlock," according to the newspaper.In part of his speech, according to the Outlook newspaper, Mohaqiq appreciated the presence of the NATO-led troops in Afghanistan by saying, "We appreciate the cooperation of the International community and the ISAF led by the United States" but noted, "the presence of the international coalition against the terrorism is required in this country as long as the threat of terrorism persists." He also insisted that "matters concerning this cooperation should be discussed and approved by the parliament." The spokesman of General Dustam at the meeting Azizullah Kargar said "The decentralization of power and elected governors will provide a comprehensive basis for national participation in power. " It is the second political opposition front that has been formed to challenge the Karzai government. The first political coalition titled "Coalition for Hope and Change" established a couple of years ago and is headed by President Karzai's main challenger in the previous presidential election Abdullah Abdullah. It has also been advocating for parliamentary system.