Unlikely Afghan opposition bloc is weighing up tactics
Friday, July 28, 2017
Subject
A new political opposition in Afghanistan.
Significance
A new opposition Coalition for the Salvation of Afghanistan (CSA) brings together former allies of President Ashraf Ghani and creates an alliance of mainly non-Pashtun parties. The surprise inclusion of Balkh Governor Atta Mohammad Noor is a particular blow to the president and strengthens the CSA.
Impacts
- Iran, Russia and possibly Turkey will back the new opposition bloc.
- Ghani's alignment with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar might make alliances with ethnic minority representatives impossible.
- The opposition coalition will blame electoral defeats on fraud.
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