HAMID KARZAI was sworn in yesterday as Afghanistan's first popularly elected president, calling for help from the international community to bolster a democracy facing the threats of terrorism and drugs.

Hamid Karzai was sworn in today as Afghanistan’s first popularly-elected president, opening a new chapter for the country while warning that the wars against terrorism and drugs will require sustained international help.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced his candidacy today for landmark October elections after several days of heated political wrangling.