Hamid Karzai Ashraf Ghani: what you need to know about Afghanistan's new president In Depth Described as a 'temperamental technocrat', the 65-year old leader takes over amid continuing violence In Depth Why Afghanistan's elections are a critical test of peace In Depth As international troops begin to leave Afghanistan and violence continues, the world is watching this crucial vote By The Week Staff Published 24 March 14 In Depth