'Poor Security Imperils Afghan Vote, Report Warns', The Globe and Mail, 21 November 2008
EXCERPT: "The impending elections in Afghanistan risk being undermined by poor security and other problems that could make the votes a flashpoint for ethnic and tribal feuds, according to an unpublished study. The 21-page briefing paper by Grant Kippen, a Canadian who previously chaired the country's Electoral Complaints Commission, calls on the international community to immediately take a greater role in protecting the elections' legitimacy. Western officials had privately talked about delaying the vote, but the United Nations General Assembly issued a statement earlier this month reaffirming the importance of 'holding free, fair and secure elections in 2009 and 2010.' The paper commissioned by the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, a respected think tank based in Kabul, represents one of the most in-depth evaluations of the elections' prospects. By asking for Mr. Kippen's opinion, the AREU enlisted a well-known figure in Afghan policy circles who has 28 years of experience with elections around the world."
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See also:
'Empty promises in Afghanistan - Commentary', Asia Times Online, 21 November 2008
'What does the West owe Afghanistan?', The Real News Network, 21 November 2008
'Negotiation with Taliban necessary: Boucher', The Hindu, 21 November 2008
'"Military operations alone will not provide a long-term answer to creating a secure and peaceful environment in Afghanistan"', Defence Professionals, 21 November 2008
Related posts:
'Young Afghan democracy facing its major test', 13 November 2008
'Worsening security threatens Afghan elections', 7 October 2008
'Problems for upcoming elections may be resolved by press', 25 September 2008
'Afghanistan's readiness to vote debated', 25 July 2008
'Afghan leader hints at re-election bid', 7 April 2008
