Father of the Nation stays silent behind palace walls
As Afghanistan prepares to choose a leader in a trail-blazing presidential poll tomorrow, the most popular figure in the country remains completely disengaged, confined behind high palace walls.
Former king Zahir Shah, who ruled Afghanistan for 39 years until he was deposed in 1972, made only a brief public appearance just before the election campaign began early last month. He made it clear no candidate or party was authorised to use his name to get votes.
Several of the 18 candidates would have given anything for an endorsement from the former monarch, who turns 90 on Thursday, just five days after polling day.
Though from the majority Pashtun tribe, he is well respected by all ethnic groups. People haven't forgotten that Afghanistan's slide into anarchy and bloodshed began after he lost power.
'The king is still the figure behind whom the nation unites,' said his brother-in-law, Humayun Asefi, a presidential candidate.
When the former monarch returned from 30 years of exile in Italy in 2002, he was hoping for a more active role in post-war Afghanistan. But Interim President Hamid Karzai and the US were worried an alternative power centre would develop around him.
Despite hectic lobbying, he was given only a titular position - Father of the Nation - under Afghanistan's new constitution this year.
Zahir Shah seldom leaves the palace into which he reluctantly shifted a year ago. A recent visitor said he was unhappy with the slow progress of reconstruction.
