Defense minister rejected as Taliban battle near Kabul

Afghanistan's parliament rejected a second nominee for defense minister on Saturday, leaving a vacuum that has already lasted nine months, while government forces battled the Taliban just 30 miles west of the capital Kabul.

The president's failure to nominate a full cabinet since he took office in September has sown great discontent among Afghans and Saturday's vote was seen as a test of his government's influence over parliament.

Security has deteriorated across the country and many blame the government, for squabbling over key security posts at a time when U.S. military support is severely limited

U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona, visiting Kabul on Saturday, told reporters that Taliban attacks had increased and U.S. troops should stay longer than planned to prevent the militants from making gains.  "A calendar-based withdrawal – that would be a tragedy, and in my view, an opening for the Taliban to gain and create success here in Afghanistan," McCain said.

Under the current plan, the United States would drawdown to an embassy presence in Kabul by the end of 2016.

Mohammed Masoom Stanekzai received 84 out of the 107 votes required to get the defense ministry post. A total 231 votes were cast. - Read More

Defense minister rejected as Taliban battle near Kabul

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