Preparations are under way in the Afghan capital Kabul for the inauguration of Hamid Karzai as president, three months after the controversial election was held.

The already-strict security measures in the capital have been further tightened to ensure the safety of the foreign guests who will attend the swearing in ceremony, which will herald the start of President Karzai's second five-year term.
 

Western heads of state are not attending and observers say it is a clear message to President Karzai that he has much to do to regain the world's trust and confidence. The international community has called on the Afghan leader to end the abuses of power and endemic corruption in the country.