Afghan economy stagnates amid political deadlock

There are few policy differences between the two leaders. Instead, the arguments have been between coalitions of interests, and tribal, religious and historical ties.

President Karzai opposed the development of political parties. Instead, in the words of one western diplomat, the 249-member lower house of parliament – the Wolesi Jirga – is “249 separate centres of patronage”.

Allegations of corruption in the process to confirm ministers have always been denied, and cannot be proved.

But corruption was the reason given by one Afghan news agency for the otherwise unexplained withdrawal of Jailani Popal, nominated as finance minister, and a close ally of President Ghani.

It was said that he was facing impossible demands for payments from some members of the parliament to secure their support.