President of Afghanistan
By: Paul Toscano
Mohammad Ashraf Ghani
He first came into power 2001 after the fall of the Taliban. Ghani ran the loya jirga which is the grand meeting of elders. He served as finance master from 2002-2004. He was Chancellor of Kabul university in 2004. Ghani criticized what he saw as a waste of U.S. aid money and his goal as president was to reform that and make Afghanistan a stronger country. He has acknowledged the need to have a inclusive government meaning that even if he wins an election, he is going to consider everyone's point of view.
BBC. “Ashraf Ghani: Afghan Leader Praises US Sacrifice.”
Early Years
Ghani was born in the Logar, Afghanistan on February 12, 1949 and was a member of the Ahmadzai Pashtun tribe. He attended the University of Beirut, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1973 and his Master's degree in 1977.
Family Background
Ashraf Ghani is married to Rula Saade Ghani. She was born in a Christian family. Ashraf married her after they met in college at the University of Beirut, during the 1970's. They lived in the US. for a short period of time, but Ghani renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2009 so he would be able to run for President in 2014.
Ashraf and Rula Ghani have two children, they have a daughter named Mariam and a son, Tariq. Both were born in United States and along with their parents have U.S. passports.
National Reconstruction
Current Presidential Information
Ghani's Relationship with the United States
14 years after the United States took the Taliban out of power in Afghanistan, the new president ashraf ghani visited the United States Pentagon to thank the Soldiers, government and public tax payers for what they did. Along with thanking them, he also has requested and hoping for their future support. He was greatful for the war veterans for defeating the Taliban and has invited them to come to afghanistan as a tourist and has also allowed citizens to invite them in to their homes if they want to meet them. The U.S. has spend over 700 billion dollars on afghanistan since 2001 and Ghani hopes to account for every dollar.
Thompson, Mark. Afghan president thanks the pentagon ... And U.S. Taxpayers. TIME.com, 23 Mar. 2015. Web. 15 Jan. 2016. BBC US & CanadaBBC News, 25 Mar. 2015. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.