Ismail Khan was once one of Afghanistan’s most powerful warlords. But now, as head of the country’s energy ministry, he can’t even keep the lights on.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Ismail Khan was once one of Afghanistan’s most powerful warlords. But now, as head of the country’s energy ministry, he can’t even keep the lights on.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Ismail Khan was once one of Afghanistan’s most powerful warlords. But now, as head of the country’s energy ministry, he can’t even keep the lights on.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Ismail Khan was once one of Afghanistan’s most powerful warlords. But now, as head of the country’s energy ministry, he can’t even keep the lights on.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Ismail Khan was once one of Afghanistan’s most powerful warlords. But now, as head of the country’s energy ministry, he can’t even keep the lights on.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Ismail Khan was once one of Afghanistan’s most powerful warlords. But now, as head of the country’s energy ministry, he can’t even keep the lights on.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Ismail Khan was once one of Afghanistan’s most powerful warlords. But now, as head of the country’s energy ministry, he can’t even keep the lights on.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)

Ismail Khan was once one of Afghanistan’s most powerful warlords. But now, as head of the country’s energy ministry, he can’t even keep the lights on.  (Rick Loomis / LAT)