In this photo taken on Oct. 30, 2009, Ahmed Wali Karzai, brother of Afghan AP – In this photo taken on Oct. 30, 2009, Ahmed Wali Karzai, brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, speaks …
By KATHY GANNON, Associated Press Writer Kathy Gannon, Associated Press Writer – Wed Nov 18, 1:49 am ET

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – He calls himself a wheeler dealer — an old-style power broker who maneuvers through a murky, dangerous world of intelligence, tribal intrigue and, some critics allege, guns and drugs.

Ahmed Wali Karzai is also a half brother of Afghanistan's embattled president, whose international partners believe removing him from the country's political mix is essential if the newly elected administration is to prove its commitment to good governance.

So far, President Hamid Karzai has refused to push aside his brother without convincing proof he's done anything wrong.

Regardless of whether allegations against him are true, the 48-year-old brother has become a symbol of cronyism and a lightning rod for criticism of all that is wrong with Karzai's administration.

Although the only official post he holds is member of the Kandahar provincial council, Ahmed Wali Karzai is one of the most powerful men in Afghanistan — and one of the most controversial. At least six of his longtime friends refused to share childhood memories of him with The Associated Press, fearing critical recollections might get them in trouble with him.

Lees verder: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091118/ap_on_re_as/as_afghanistan_karzai_s_brother