Karzai, who won last October's presidential election to become the country's first popularly chosen leader, is the main speaker at BU's commencement on May 22.

"His efforts to unite and rebuild his country benefit not only Afghanistan, but also the entire world," BU interim president Aram Chobanian said in a statement. "His exemplary leadership represents democracy at its finest, and we are honored that he will be joining us."

In addition to Karzai, BU is awarding honorary degrees to Sen. John F. Kerry, Boston Red Sox owner John Henry, former New Jersey Gov. Christy Todd Whitman, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson, artist and former BU teacher David Aronson and Motorola chairman and CEO Edward Zander.