ISAS Briefs

Developments in Afghanistan, leading into the New Year point to the increasing distrust between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the United States. The latest rift relates to Kabul’s plan to release 88 high - profile detainees , held at Bagram ; and this has particularly incensed the Americans. Their release, according to th e two Republican S enators, who recently visited Kabul, would have a “negative impact” on US - Afghan relations. The Afghans have reneged on their commitment to release the detainees only if they were to be found innocent by the court, claims the US. Mr Kar zai has instead constituted a three - man Afghan Review Board to assess the charges against the detainees. Following an official protest by General Joseph Dunford, Commander of International Security Assistance Force , the Afghan President has held their rel ease in abeyance pending the review of their cases.