Afghanistan: Ghani, in Interview, Explains Why He Is Competing in Afghan Vote --- KABUL—Ashraf Ghani, a U.S.-based academic turned Afghan politician, on Monday became the first serious candidate to enter the race for the Afghan presidency, resigning from his government position as President Hamid Karzai's transition adviser. -- In 1919 we embarked on a journey to create a modern state in Afghanistan. We were the only country with a stable autocratic government that embarked on a democratic path. -- But in 1929 it collapsed, it's our unfinished chapter and every 20 years we have returned to that agenda without completing it. -- We need to arrive at a stable order where continuity can take place within the rules of the game, which are going to be institutionalized and enshrined. -- Nationally, we are going to face serious challenges: on the economy, on governance, on security, and particularly on peace. These challenges are going to require leadership and management but more than just technical leadership and management: They are going to require political consensus.