Article published on the 2009-12-19 Latest update 2009-12-19 15:06 TU
After the storm that surrounded his re-election, Karzai was under pressure to keep out warlords and fight corruption. But he also had to keep his supporters happy and maintain alliances across the country's ethnic and political divisions.
Eleven incumbents stayed in their posts, including Interior Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar and Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak, both of whom are popular with foreign diplomats, although Atmar has opponents in the north of the country.
One appointment which may prove controversial is former Herat Governor Ismail Khan, who is Energy Minister. Khan was an important warlord who fought the Taliban, later running his province with an iron hand. He reportedly delivered votes for Karzai in the east this August.
Uzbek warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum and Hazara leader Mohammad Mohaqiq were not on the list but are expected to receive lower profile posts.
The post of Foreign Minister has yet to be filled but incumbent Dadfar Rangeen Spanta will remain as acting minister until after an international conference in London on 28 January, according to presidential spokesperson Waheed Omar.
Canada was the first foreign country to react.
"Canada had called for merit-based appointments. We are pleased to see that the list of candidates includes competent individuals, some of whom we have worked with in the past," Ambassador William Crosbie said.
"Karzai promised a cabinet based on merit, transparency, expertise and effectiveness but we see almost all the old figures back in," Suraya Parlika, head of the Afghan Women's Association, told the AFP news agency.