If you're wondering why Afghan policy is so muddled, look no further than the actions of Kai Eide, the chief of the UN mission in Afghanistan. First, Eide was "saddened" and "disturbed" by Karzai's choice of Mohammad Qasim Fahim, a former warlord who previously served as a defense minister and vice president, as the senior vice president candidate.

Eide was "saddened" and "disturbed" by Karzai's choice and believed the concern was widely shared by the international community of diplomats in Kabul, the source said.

"He's been one of the known warlords in this country and has a history of human rights violations that's serious," the source said.

But then Eide advocates Taliban leaders run for office:

The top UN official in Afghanistan today called for the Taliban to participate in the August presidential election as a way to kick-start a peace process with the militants who are fighting to overthrow the western-backed government in Kabul.

Kai Eide, the head of the UN mission in Afghanistan, said the militants should participate in a campaign that formally starts on Thursday and which looks increasingly likely to be won by Hamid Karzai, the hugely unpopular incumbent.

"Call it reconciliation, or the peace process, whatever you want, but I believe that the opposition should know that those who want to take part in the election and respect the constitution should have an option to do that," Eide said.

Just so we're clear: According to Eide pro-government warlords are out, but Taliban leaders who are inciting rebellion, killing civilians, throwing acid on the faces of schoolgirls, blowing up schools, and conducting suicide attacks are in. Shouldn't that concern international diplomats as well?