ABSTRACT
As 2014, the year of transitions in Afghanistan drew to a close, a cloud of uncertainty hung over the country. The National Unity Government (NUG) with Ashraf Ghani as president and Abdullah Abdullah as the chief executive officer (CEO) was unstable. The security situation continued to remain precarious with the Taliban able to execute terrorist violence all through the country, including Kabul, almost at will. The economy contracted with the drying up of financial flows consequent to the drawdown process of the US and NATO forces. Worse with confidence in the future sapping, the popular mood was dark and cold reflecting the long and bitter Afghan winter.
