Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai Sworn in as Afghanistan's New President

Kabul, Afghanistan:  Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai has been sworn in as Afghanistan's new president, replacing Hamid Karzai in the country's first democratic transfer of power since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion toppled the Taliban.

Ghani Ahmadzai became president of Afghanistan in a peaceful transition Monday after a six-month election season that ended with marathon negotiations that gave the newly created position of chief executive to his challenger Abdullah Abdullah.

Karzai had been Afghanistan's only leader since 2001.

Ghani Ahmadzai faces challenges across his war-torn nation, including continued attacks from Taliban insurgents and other militants.