This has been a roller-coaster year for Afghans. It has included vigorous presidential and provincial election campaigns, a protracted political crisis, the formation of a government of national unity, the inauguration of a president with big new ideas, a financial crunch, devastating natural disasters, widening Taliban attacks and a surge in the number of Afghans being killed. Meanwhile, the US-led International Security Assistance Force is winding down and will conclude in December.
Many hope that the ride will be less nerve-racking from now on. But the future may be just as tumultuous.
Afghanistan: Twin seat on the rollercoaster
The unwieldy compromise that resolved a disputed election offers Kabul a glimmer of hope