Context
The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the murder of Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s half brother Ahmad Wali Karzai, who was a major political figure in the southern Kandahar province. The controversial Ahmad Wali was shot dead in his office in the Kandahar City on Tuesday by Sardar Muhammad, who was described as a bodyguard. The two were having a meeting behind closed doors when Muhammad pulled out his gun and shot Ahmad Wali in the head. In a statement published on their website, the Taliban said the killer “was in contact with Mujahideen.” His death is being interpreted as a set back for Karzai and US Afghan strategy.
