FROM THE SECRET FILES ON KING ZAHIR'S REIGN IN AFGHANISTAN, 1970-1973 - National Security Archive - Edited by William Burr

Document 12: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Research Study, "Afghanistan: Both Government and Political System Face Trial," 30 March 1973, Confidential, 8 pp.
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This INR report includes a useful description of Zahir's political experiment as well as a critical appraisal of its "flaws": a "partyless parliament, the powerless prime minister, and a king reluctant either to use or delegate his authority."  Indeed, INR analysts argued that the government "revealed many of the characteristics of an absolute monarchy run along Afghanistan's tribal jirgah [village council] lines."  They saw some reason to anticipate that the latest prime minister, Mohammed Shafiq, could manage Parliament and prepare the way for political reforms, e.g., establishment of parties.  Nevertheless, they were prepared to accept the possibility that "Shafiq's government could be well on its way toward the ultimate failure experienced by his predecessors." - Source: SN 70-73, POL 15 AFG. - More at,  Document 12

Document 11: Memorandum from Robert A. Flaten, NEA/PAB (Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh), to Bruce Laingen, Office Director, NEA/PAB, "Afghan Politics - the Creeping Crisis," 21 May 1972, Confidential, 4 pp. - Source: SN 70-73, POL 15 AFG. -  Read More The Once and Future King? - Read More