THE US military freed about 80 Afghan prisoners yesterday, as the country’s most senior judge said the government was negotiating the release of hundreds more from US custody.

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.