Ashraf Ghani

Ashraf Ghani won the 2014 presidential election after a disputed runoff against Abdullah Abdullah. A US-brokered agreement led to a National Unity Government, with Ghani as president and Abdullah as chief executive. The election was marred by allegations of fraud.

Ghani, a former World Bank official, implemented economic reforms including anti-corruption measures, tax collection improvements, and efforts to attract foreign investment. His reforms had limited success due to ongoing conflict, weak institutions, and widespread corruption.

Ghani's government was sidelined when the United States signed a peace deal directly with the Taliban in Doha. The agreement set a timeline for US withdrawal and intra-Afghan negotiations. Ghani criticized the deal for excluding his government, weakening his position.

As the Taliban advanced on Kabul in August 2021, Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan to the United Arab Emirates. His sudden departure led to the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's rapid takeover of the country. He was widely criticized for abandoning his post.