The first new Afghan president in a decade, Ashraf Ghani, is sworn-in on Monday...
...after a power sharing deal was struck with political opponent Abdullah Abdullah last week, breaking months of electoral deadlock.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) AFGHANISTAN'S NEW PRESIDENT, ASHRAF GHANI, SAYING:
" Our message is a message of peace and the message of peace doesn't mean we are weak...I call on Afghan government enemies, particularly the Taliban and Hezb-i-Islami, to prepare for political negotiations."
Illustrating the problems facing the new president, a suicide bomber killed seven people near Kabul airport just before the inauguration.
The Taliban claimed responsibility.
With the withdrawal of most foreign troops this year and reports of tensions within the coalition, Ghani is faced with a crucial test.
On the streets of Kabul, hopes are high.
(SOUNDBITE) (Pashto) RESIDENT OF KABUL, MOHAMMAD HASHIM, SAYING:
