Breaking news: Afghanistan presidential rivals sign power-sharing agreement

Afghanistan's two presidential contenders signed an unprecedented power-sharing agreement on Sunday, ending a drawn-out political standoff and setting the stage for a U.S. troop commitment past this year.

"I am very happy today that both of my brothers, Dr. Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, in an Afghan agreement for the benefit of this country, for the progress and development of this country, that they agreed on the structure affirming the new government of Afghanistan," President Hamid Karzai, in power since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion ousted the Taliban, said after the signing.

The agreement names Ghani Ahmadzai, who is believed to have received the most votes, as president. His challenger, Abdullah, a former foreign minister, has been named chief executive.
The agreement ends political wrangling that began after a June runoff vote between two candidates.

The United States had urged the candidates to reach an agreement in order to bring political stability to the country, which is battling a powerful insurgency and will need international assistance for years to come.

The two draw their political strength from different ethnic groups. Abdullah is supported by Tajiks and other groups from the north of the country. Ghani Ahmadzai is supported by the Pashtuns, who are concentrated in the south and are the largest ethnic group in the country.
Under the agreement, the president would be responsible for setting strategic policy and the chief executive would be in charge of implementation, said Said Jawad, a former ambassador to the United States who has closely monitored the talks. Each would be allowed to make half the cabinet appointments.

Heads of the defense, interior and intelligence ministries would remain in their jobs for three months to provide continuity. Afghanistan's government remains in a tough fight with Taliban insurgents as the U.S. and coalition troop contingent has decreased.
Both candidates have agreed to sign a bilateral security agreement, which the United States said is needed before it will agree to leave troops past the end of this year.

Karzai had refused to sign the agreement and had frequently antagonized the United States with his criticism of American airstrikes and policies.
Washington said it plans to leave a residual force of about 9,800 U.S. troops after this year. The force will be responsible for advising and assisting Afghanistan security forces and conducting counter-terrorism missions.

Analysts believe the new leaders will be able to mend relations with America.
"Both are pragmatic," said Marc Chretien, a former top political adviser to the coalition command in Kabul. "Both will be able to work with the international community and will do a lot to shore up the damage that Karzai created between himself and the West."