A senior U-S official begins meetings in Afghanistan today (Sunday) on reconstruction aid to the devastated country.
Treasury Department Undersecretary John Taylor will meet with Afghan Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani and other officials in Kabul. Mr. Taylor also is expected to tour the capital's money exchange market, where Afghan officials plan to launch a new currency next month.
During his four-day trip, the U-S official also is to visit the western province of Herat bordering Iran. Washington and Tehran are rivals for influence with Herat governor Ismail Khan.