Afghan Warlords Find Places in Provinces (Given Governorships)

[Khephra]

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan president Hamid Karzai appointed two warlords and former Cabinet members to influential governorships Sunday in a bid to keep the strongmen happy -- but outside of his central government.

Gul Agha Sherzai, the former public works minister, was named governor of southern Kandahar province, a post he controlled once before. Sayed Hussain Anwari, the former agriculture minister, was named governor of Kabul province, which includes the capital city.

The appointments were announced Sunday.

Karzai had fired the two men, along with powerful former Defense Minister Mohammed Fahim, as part of a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, earning praise for kicking warlords out of his government in favor of professionals.

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