Jan. 5 - Some more links to articles about the newly approved Afghan constitution from the AP, Daily Telegraph and Afghan News Network.

The AP dispatch mention that the constitution leaves open the possibility that Parliament could overrule rule the President. The Telegraph says the constitution provides for "two vice-presidents and an upper and lower house with strong legislative authority."

Not everyone is pleased: shots were fired and a grenade was thrown into the Afghanistan office of the United Nations refugee agency in Kandahar early today. There were no injuries.

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Jan. 4 - The Loya Jirga approved a new constitution for Afghanistan after a number of compromises, many of which involved language rights.

There isn't much specific information in the article, but I noticed one thing: it states that men and women should be treated equally even though laws are to be in accordance with Islam.

The office of the Presidency retains strong powers including control of the army and direction of policy, and there is no provision for a Prime Minister or strong regional councils.

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Jan. 2 - Soldiers at Camp Julien in Kabul took part in a polar bear swim Making a splash. The swim took place as Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson was visiting Afghan Pres. Karzai.

The Loya Jirga constitutional convention continues to be contentious as they grapple with the degree of powers granted to the presidency and how the different ethnic groups will share power. Tribal conflicts have long dominated Afghanistan.

Yesterday's meeting was hastily adjourned when opponents of Karzai began to organize a boycott.

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