Abdul Rashid Dostum

Dostum formed the Junbish-i-Milli Islami party, representing Uzbek interests in Afghanistan. He allied with the Kabul government but later switched sides multiple times. His militia became a key force in Afghan politics.

Dostum initially allied with the Taliban against the Kabul government. He later switched sides and joined the Northern Alliance. This shift demonstrated his pragmatic approach to power.

Dostum was accused of ordering the suffocation of hundreds of Taliban prisoners in shipping containers. The incident was investigated by human rights groups but he denied involvement. These accusations damaged his reputation.

After the US invasion of Afghanistan, Dostum returned from exile in Turkey. He allied with US forces and helped overthrow the Taliban. His forces played a key role in the capture of Mazar-i-Sharif.

Dostum was appointed as first vice president of Afghanistan under President Ashraf Ghani. This position gave him formal political power but was marked by tensions with Ghani. He later went into exile in Turkey.