German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has said ‘We need more than just words. We need action also in Afghanistan by the Afghan government“. He was speaking hours after Karzai spoke in his inauguration speech.

In his inauguration speech, Karzai described corruption as a ‘dangerous problem’ and promised to organize a conference to find ways to counter the scourge. Karzai won plaudits for his inauguration speech from Western officials including the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, who said it was an “important new starting point” as the US-led war stretches into its ninth year.

But Karzai is expected to face his first hurdle within weeks, with the international community and disillusioned Afghans keenly awaiting his cabinet line-up as a sign of his commitment to change when he picks up members of his cabinet.

Karzai was declared President of Afghanistan when the only opponent in the Afghan runoff election, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah decided to quit the race.