Increasingly, the embassies themselves were overshadowed by powerful regional commanders in chief reporting to the Pentagon.

Many had been powerful and popular commanders but lacked the education and skills for their portfolios.

By 1992, he had become one the most powerful mujahideen commanders in Northern Afghanistan.

Half a dozen powerful commanders are now intent on victory in the elections to maintain their local prominence.

Virtue is anathema to the ruling establishment and to powerful military commanders.

In a reaction to the riots, the president appointed a powerful local commander with links to organized crime as police chief of Kabul.

But he refused, along with other powerful commanders around the country, and renegotiated the plan.

Newspapers have been calling the parties "angels" because of their willingness to challenge powerful military commanders.

The department employs 465 captains, the pool of senior officers from which its most powerful commanders are selected.

It is still considered possible, however, that powerful military commanders will press Parliament to postpone the elections.