Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Defiant Afghans vote despite violence
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
Defiant Afghans vote despite violence
By HEIDI VOGT,Associated Press Writer AP - Friday, August 21
KABUL - Some voted eagerly, but many held back and waited to hear if the Taliban would make good on vows of violence Thursday in Afghanistan's presidential election.
ADVERTISEMENT
Those who defied the militants' threats and went to the polls displayed a range of emotions: pride, fear and hope that maybe with their votes, life would improve in the war-wracked country.
"I know the security situation of my country is not good, but I have made my decision to come and cast my vote anyway," Shukran Ahmad, 32, said as he waited at a polling center in western Kabul.
"I wanted to be the first person to vote today in this polling center," said Ahmad, dressed in pale blue traditional robes. He said four others in his family, including his sister and his mother, also planned to vote.
One Kabul center that swarmed with people in 2004 opened on time at 7 a.m. _ but with no voters.
The owner of a shop nearby did not see the point in casting his ballot.
"I am not voting. It won't change anything in our country," said Mohammad Tahir, 30.
Associated Press reporters visiting polling stations reported considerably fewer voters than in 2004, when long lines formed well before the stations opened. This time there were seldom enough to form a line.
But in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif, a relatively safe area and a stronghold of presidential contender Abdullah Abdullah, voters came in a steady stream.
"I was so excited last night. All I could think about was today," said 20-year-old Shahima Haidari, a first-time voter.
She cast her ballot for Abdullah, saying she has had enough of the incumbent president, Hamid Karzai.
Enayatullah Stanikzai, a white-bearded man in traditional robes and a black vest, said he believes the president has been a strong leader.
"I voted for Hamid Karzai. He's a good person for the future of Afghanistan. He brought unity to our country," said Stanikzai, accompanied by his 15-year-old son.
"My son asked me to show him the polling center. He was so interested, he said, 'When I turn 18 I want to go vote,'" Stanikzai explained, laughing. He said the rest of his family, including his wife, planned to cast their ballots after they finished breakfast.
An explosion at a polling center and a gunfight with insurgents interrupted voting in eastern Kabul.
Mohammad Aslam, a 30-year-old construction supplies salesman, said he was too afraid to vote.
"This morning there was an explosion. And now there's been fighting," he said. Aslam pointed to a nearby mosque. "There is a polling center inside this mosque, but nobody is crazy enough to go there. It's better to stay at home."
In the southern city of Kandahar, voters showed up at polling centers despite rocket attacks in the morning.
"I was afraid to come and cast my vote. But my father encouraged me, 'Be brave you are an Afghan woman, you should have faith. It is the hand of God,'" said Jamila Bibi. "I will go back and tell others to come and vote since there were no problems."
Mohammad Zahir voted at a high school in eastern Kabul for Ramazan Bashardost, a long-shot candidate and fellow member of the Hazara ethnic group who has campaigned against government corruption and the continued power of warlords.
"He spoke really well in the debate. His words made sense to me," said Zahir.
About 50 yards (meters) from one polling center in western Kabul, five men watched and waited.
"Yes, we are going to vote," said 35-year-old Abdul Rahman, showing his voting card. He said they were waiting to see a line of people go inside and vote safely.
"If anything happens to the polling center, we don't want to be too close to it."
Rahman, who sells fruit from a cart in the streets of Kabul, said he planned to vote for Karzai. He and his wife were going to wait until late in polling day _ to be sure that it was safe.
___
Associated Press writers Amir Shah and Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Nahal Toosi in Mazar-e-Sharif and Noor Khan in Kandahar contributed to this report.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Australia targets 20% renewable energy by 2020AFP - Friday, August 21
Lead poisoning scare spreads to central ChinaAFP - Friday, August 21
Body of SKorea's Kim moved into place for funeralAP - Friday, August 21
Defiant Afghans vote despite violenceAP - Friday, August 21
Under-fire Taiwan cabinet approves typhoon budgetAFP - Friday, August 21
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
Merkel still world's most powerful woman: Forbes
It's nuts! Squirrel becomes a Web sensation
Egypt warns pharaohs' tombs could disappear
Canadian singer Celine Dion pregnant with second child
UK UFO sightings spiked when blockbusters released
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 20 August 2009 95 killed in Baghdad bomb carnage
Crew of Arctic Sea arrive in Cape Verde
Web tools help protect human rights activists
Bodies and disbelief as security shattered in Baghdad
BoE chief call sparks doubt over Britain recovery
UBS to reveal 4,450 accounts, escapes fine in US tax deal
Greek pilots see red from laser pen pranks
Germany, Hungary mark anniversary of Iron Curtain breach
Iran's Ahmadinejad may face tough fight over cabinet
Nokia targets India with low-cost handsets: CEO
Scots say to rule on Lockerbie bomber on Thursday
| International
|
Twitter site offers followers line to God
Asustek aims to ship 1 million smartphones in 2010
Nigeria threatens to arrest bank debtors, seize assets
| International
|
Mexico hit by lowest rainfall in 68 years
| International
|
Israel slams Swedish tabloid's organ theft story
| International
|
Merkel hails Hungary demo that led to Wall's fall
| International
|
Nokia targets India with low-cost handsets: CEO
Sony launches cash-for-televisions scheme in Britain
Funeral home mix-up: Pa. family mourns wrong body
Milwaukee mayor says attack escalated quickly
A look at the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Top-mileage hybrid sedans are Fords
Government enlists employers' help to contain flu
Number of kids poisoned by lead in China rises
Thailand's swine flu death toll reaches 111
LaHood says car dealers will 'get their money'
At least 13 die in Pakistan bus crash
Pittsburgh mom says daughter bulled into anorexia
Koreas mourn death of SKorea's Kim Dae-jung
Web tools help protect human rights activists
| Technology
|
CA arsonist's relative accused of jury tampering
Md. police: Man nicknamed 'Hitler' beat black man
Diddy seeks new stars of Facebook generation
| Technology
|
Dump truck overturns, killing 25 Indonesians
Life expectancy in US up, deaths not, CDC says
Deaths, lung damage linked to nanoparticles in China
| Technology
|
3 militants die on eve of Afghan presidential vote
Coca-Cola, Pepsi on Beijing's worst polluter list
Indian party expels leader for book on Pakistan
US senator visits Vietnam at end of SE Asian tour
China promises aid to small businesses
Migrant children's risky trips to U.S. in new film
Cable's top programs for Aug. 10-16
Don Hewitt, creator of "60 Minutes," dead at 86
YouTube gets Time Warner's Adult Swim, "Gossip Girl"
Italian city bars Muslim 'burqini' swimsuit
Greyhound buses take to British roads
Diddy seeks new stars of Facebook generation
| Entertainment
|
Italians tiring of chasing elusive mega-jackpot
Don Hewitt, creator of 60 Minutes, dead at 86
| Entertainment
|
British exhibition marks 70th anniversary of WWII outbreak
Fat Duck restaurant on top again after food scare
Britain bans Japanese horror film
YouTube signs deal to feature Time Warner cable shows
| Entertainment
|
Migrant children's risky trips to U.S. in new film
| Entertainment
|
News
News
News
News
News
Afghanistan votes for president
Sporadic attacks across Afghanistan as polls open
| International
|
Two arrested over biggest gem robbery: police
Google helps advertisers predict hot search topics
Polls open for landmark Afghan elections
'Alive' plane crash survivors call for organ donors
Death toll climbs in Russian dam accident
Merkel still world's most powerful woman: Forbes
Deaths, lung damage linked to nanoparticles in China
Arctic Sea crew, hijack suspects board plane for Moscow
It's nuts! Squirrel becomes a Web sensation
Iraq forces admit lapses after blasts kill 95
North Korea to send mourners to South, signals softening
| International
|
Pirate Party swashbuckles into Finnish politics
North, south Sudan agree on implementing peace deal
Norway diplomat blasts absent U.N. chief: report
| International
|
Iran's Ahmadinejad may face battle over cabinet
Wave of Baghdad blasts kills at least 95
Taiwan approves $2.9 billion for typhoon reconstruction
| International
|
Syria's Assad condemns foreign meddling in Iran
Iran's Ahmadinejad to address nation on cabinet
| International
|
Baghdad blasts kill 95 as Iraqi security criticised
Australia soothes China on separatists
| International
|
Iran's Khamenei praises Syria's 'resistance'
Sony launches cash-for-televisions scheme in Britain
North, south Sudan agree on implementing peace deal
| International
|
Japan opposition could win by a landslide: media
| International
|
Scotland rules on Lockerbie bomber on Thursday
| International
|
Obama makes moral case for health reform
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,332
Rep. Frank lashes out at protester for Nazi remark
Excerpts from air traffic conversations
1,000 on strike at Vietnam shoe firm: company
MySpace to buy Web music service iLike
| Technology
|
Text of Sen. Ensign's interview with the AP
'Trust deficit' bedevils prickly China-India ties
Detroit boy, 12, faces life murder charge in death
CORRECTED
Next space shuttle launch set for next week
Judge stands by closing ahead of death-row appeal
Under-fire Taiwan cabinet to submit typhoon budget
Ex-Syrian soldier pleads innocent to arms dealing
North Korea to send mourners to South
US man says no regrets about Myanmar jailing
North Korea sending "good" signals, Richardson says
Pakistan seeks lawyers to defend al Qaeda suspect
NKorea wants direct talks with US: Richardson
Tokyo chief hopes he is swimming towards Olympic gold
Tom Sherak excited to be president of film academy
Seoul shares up 0.5 pct on banks, energy stocks
S.Korean bonds climb on U.S. lead, supply fall
Seoul shares open up as techs continue advance
VW targets sales of 100,000 cars in India by 2014
Price-fixing charges filed against former Taiwan executive
Sale of Warhol's Jacko portrait 'not so hot'
Tom Sherak excited to be president of film academy
Special effects go wild in kids' fantasy "Shorts"
Black Eyed Peas, Jason Mraz smash chart records
Mexico dancers prepare Thriller record bid
Food critic pens book about relationship with food
Jay Leno says new comedy show is "a lot more work"
Miss Universe ticket sales slow, forcing deals
Daughtry announces arena tour dates
Jay Leno says new comedy show is a lot more work
| Entertainment
|
Capsule reviews: `Inglourious Basterds,' others
Jackson Brothers reality series a go at A&E
| Entertainment
|
Black Eyed Peas, Jason Mraz smash chart records
| Entertainment
|
Lad rock kings Kasabian reject Oasis tag
| Entertainment
|
Special effects go wild in kids' fantasy Shorts
| Entertainment
|
Oprah and Dr Oz sue over alleged false endorsements
| Entertainment
|
Strait dethrones Jackson on album chart
| Entertainment
|
Iran lawmakers warn of clash over new government
Bollywood looks to call the tune on music downloads
Arctic Sea crew, suspected hijackers back in Moscow
Arctic Sea crew, suspected hijackers land in Moscow
China defence ministry launches website
Israeli scientists find way to combat forged DNA
Lockerbie bomber freed to return to Libya to die
| International
|
Wikipedia launches iPhone application
Iraqi fear, anger that bombings were not prevented
| International
|
Libya sees Swiss apology for arrest of Gaddafi son
| International
|
Proud, defiant Afghans trickle to polling booths
French police finds suspected ETA arms cache
| International
|
Arctic Sea hijackers questioned in Russian jail
| International
|
Pakistani Taliban deputy chief says takes command
| International
|
Gamers face real weather in new sports simulations
| Technology
|
New technology key to gaming sector in downturn
| Technology
|
Australia targets 20% renewable energy by 2020
China launches defense website in transparency bid
| Technology
|
Lead poisoning scare spreads to central China
MySpace to buy Web music service iLike
| Technology
|
Obama to go on right-leaning radio show
U.S. grants $1.2 billion for electronic health records
| Technology
|
Body of SKorea's Kim moved into place for funeral
N.Korea holds US talks, plans to send team to S.Korea
Defiant Afghans vote despite violence
Evidence hearing scheduled in Fla. double killing
N.Korea holds US talks, eases border restrictions
Signs grow that Lockerbie bomber to be freed
Taiwan earmarks $3B storm reconstruction budget
Lawsuit: woman claims assault by David Copperfield
Khmer Rouge verdict expected in early 2010
China says 1,300 sick in new lead poisoning case
Rifts as Pakistan Taliban deputy claims leadership
Ex-reporter Jayson Blair now working as life coach
Jokes about barbecuing a cat preceded midair crash
CIA hired Blackwater for assassin program: reports
EU nations to take Guantanamo detainees: report
Taiwan dollar up on exporters, China stocks
South Korea to boost monitoring of housing market
Seoul shares gain 2 pct helped by banks, carmakers =2
China approves Tianwan nuclear plant expansion
Japan recovery prospects unsure: BoJ board member
China Mobile reports half-year profit up 1.5%
Seoul shares gain 2 pct helped by banks, carmakers
South Korea asks banks to pay back foreign debt
Philippines economy 'shrank' in Q2: report
New Zealand shows signs of growth in Q2
Hitler watercolours under the hammer in Germany
India Art Summit opens, minus most acclaimed painter
Comic artists defy Tehran with 'Persepolis 2.0'
Woman sues David Copperfield for sexual assault
East Coast rocker-scientists swap labs for stage
Bollywood to pay video tribute to Michael Jackson
Shell-shocked Gaza children flock to martial arts
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Jackson Brothers reality series a go at A&E
3-D version of "Yellow Submarine" on the way: report
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights