Karzai sacks chief of staff amid rumors

Karzai today replaced Jawed Ludin, his chief of staff, with Omar Daudzai (who preceded him in that post two years ago.) Ahmed Rashid reports that "the cause of the shake up was due to political infighting within the president's staff" and that "the move has shaken Western diplomats in Kabul and is seen as a sign that Mr Karzai is struggling to control the loyalty of his government."

Karzai sacks aide amid plot rumors
LAHORE, Jan 18, By Ahmed Rashid: ...[Ludin's removal] has triggered a flood of rumours amongst Afghan cabinet ministers about a possible conspiracy by some warlords against Mr Karzai just as Afghan and Nato forces brace themselves for a major Taliban offensive in the next few weeks...MORE

In recent months Mr Karzai has faced harsh criticism from many Afghans including members of his staff, senior Western diplomats and Nato officials for not being more decisive in curbing corruption and drug trafficking, while Nato and Afghan forces battle the Taliban. Much of the blame for the president's poor performance has been placed on his staff and cabinet ministers, and Mr Ludin appears to have become a victim of the blame game, according to palace sources...