Afghan premier shifted to Mongolia: a prelude?

August 19, 1980

Afghanistan's prime minister has been sent to desolate Mongolia to serve as his country's ambassador, but some observers think the sudden shift may be preparation for his eventual takeover of the Afghan government, rather than a demotion.

A former Afghan official speculates that Assadullah Sarwari may hve been sent to Mongolia to learn how the Soviets run a satellite country and later be installed as president of Afghanistan. This is what happened with President Babrak Karmal, who was sent to Czechoslovakia as ambassador before the Russians brought him to power last December.