InfoAnda - Mud-slinging on Afghan vote trail

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Think twice about 'green' transport, say scientists | 8 June 2009
Rival Indonesia party chiefs meet ahead of polls | 13 March 2009
Open source Linux wins Quebec court case against Microsoft | 5 June 2010

Iraq and Iran resume swaps of 1980s war dead | International | | 30 November 2008

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Mud-slinging on Afghan vote trail

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: Mud-slinging on Afghan vote trail AFP - Saturday, August 15 KABUL (AFP) - - They may be backed by warlords and rely on donkeys to get their supporters out to vote, but contenders in Afghanistan's elections are making promises and trading insults like politicians anywhere. ADVERTISEMENT Just days before Afghans choose their president, the main candidates are criss-crossing the country to get the vote out, and like lawmakers from Washington to Whitehall, their rhetoric is testing hyperbolic heights. To hear the top contenders tell it, their rivals are thieves, drug lords and human rights abusers. They are bad for democracy, cut deals with criminals, are cheating Afghans of a future, and only got into politics to get rich. The election scheduled for Thursday will see up to 17 million people -- of a population estimated between 26 million and 32 million -- cast their votes in presidential and provincial council elections. It is Afghanistan's second presidential poll and incumbent Hamid Karzai is expected to prevail over a field of 41 -- although five have announced via the media their decision to drop out. His main rivals are former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah, former finance minister and World Bank academic Ashraf Ghani, and the eccentric dark horse Ramazan Bashardost who campaigns from a yellow tent in central Kabul. More than 3,000 donkeys are to be deployed, along with fleets of helicopters, planes and trucks, to get ballot papers to the most remote corners of the vastly undeveloped country. City walls are plastered with colourful posters of candidates, showing the symbols -- a sheaf of wheat, a rose, striped vases -- that will appear next to their names on ballot papers for the majority of people who are illiterate. In villages and towns, hopefuls in the parallel council elections are going door-to-door, while the top presidential contenders are hitting big cities for last-minute rallies they hope will win television time. But in a country at war, where the Taliban has escalated its insurgency against government forces backed by troops from more than 40 countries, fear has swept the vulnerable rural areas that people risk attack if they vote. The Taliban have said they will try to prevent people reaching polling stations, and election officials say more than 10 percent of the planned number could stay closed because security cannot be guaranteed. As the Monday deadline for campaigning nears, the war of words between the presidential rivals is also heating up. While Bashardhost rails against "the criminals and drug traffickers in power," Karzai is accused of trying to buy off his rivals with promises of "food, tea and a job" after saying he would give Abdullah and Ghani posts in his new government. A furious Ghani issued a statement on Friday saying he had no intention of joining "the corrupt and illegitimate system Mr. Karzai has set up". "We want an end to Mr. Karzais politics of hiding behind palace walls, rewarding elites and cutting deals with shady men who are bent on robbing the nation of its future," he said, in a reference to agreements the president has struck with notorious warlords to secure blocs of votes. "Mr. Karzai has forgotten that his primary job is to feed, cloth and create jobs for the nation, not me." Karzai has been notable for his lack of mud-slinging, preferring to draw his rivals close with deals that shore up his support and hobble his opposition. A big bone of contention among his opponents has been Karzai's refusal to take part in televised debates. He failed to appear at the first on July 23, saying he was too busy, so Abdullah and Ghani went at it without him. After Karzai refused to participate in a second debate due to be televised on Thursday, Abdullah also pulled out at the last minute, prompting Ghani to brand him "deceptive and hypocritical". For his part, Abdullah was on the receiving end of a confusing and potentially explosive episode when he was widely accused of encouraging his supporters to take to the streets if he does not win the presidency. Abdullah denied the accusations from his rivals, branding them "political" in nature, and categorically ruled out any recourse to violence. Yet analysts say Abdullah lost support as a result of what was seen as a deliberate slur on his otherwise populist campaign. The victor must win more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a run-off with the runner-up. Polls put Karzai and Abdullah in first and second place. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Asia Pacific Japan PM voices deep regret over WWII sufferingAP - 1 hour 34 minutes ago US senator holds landmark Myanmar junta talksAFP - 1 hour 44 minutes ago NKorea calls for better ties with RussiaAFP - 1 hour 55 minutes ago AP NewsAlertAP - 2 hours 1 minute ago SKorea announces 1st swine flu-related deathAP - 2 hours 3 minutes ago Enlarge Photo Mud-slinging on Afghan vote trail Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Millions of salmon fail to turn up in Canada US study uncovers powerful anti-cancer compound Burglars steal $15m from Saudi princess Rare flowering of Chinese tree in Belgium Sweden's Princess Madeleine to marry: palace 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 Saturday, 15 August 2009
Vote leaders take campaigns across Afghanistan
Merkel, Medvedev tout 'strategic' economic cooperation
U.S. business welcomes Obama export control review
US industrial output rebounds, consumer prices flat
Spain's economy shrinks, bucking eurozone trend
Hundreds mourn Kennedy sister at funeral
Russia says Cape Verde ship sighting untrue | International |
World faces growing health inequalities: WHO
US consumer inflation in steepest drop since 1950
Thirteen killed in Hamas, pro-al Qaeda group clashes | International |
World's oldest schoolboy dies aged 90 in Kenya | International |
Google users search more, very loyal: comScore | Technology |
Taiwan's president criticized for typhoon response
Suicide attack kills 1 Afghan soldier in the south
Taiwan flood death toll could top 500: president
Court: Mich. prison OK to stop man's kosher meals
Afghan election an early test of Obama's war plan
Lead poisoning sickens 600 kids in China
Shriver laid to rest; Sen. Kennedy misses funeral
China cracks down on drunken driving after outcry
Obama takes healthcare plan to conservative West
5 who killed niece in exorcism avoid jail in NZ
18 years later: 1st Gulf War casualty laid to rest
China Merchants Bank plans $2.6 bln rights issue
Oops! Crew tears out remnants of old NY river fort
3 bombs in Baluchistan kill 1, wound 18
Maine town wins fight to save its curbside mailbox
Mourners gather in Pa. for 3 dead in plane crash
Taiwan president says typhoon has killed about 500
Athiest bus ads create free speech debate in Iowa
China objects to Philippine oil project
Polish village prays for Madonna to visit | Entertainment |
Aerosmith cancels troubled tour after Tyler injury | Entertainment |
Time Traveler looks to cash in on popular book | Entertainment |
Bandslam star Aly Michalka sees teen years fading | Entertainment |
Aerosmith cancels troubled tour after Tyler injury
New Orleans rapper sentenced to life in prison
Jackson had long history with estate executor
Arrest warrant issued in Mass. for Bobby Brown
Revered guitar player-inventor Les Paul dead at 94
US videogame sales sink for fifth consecutive month: NPD
Reality TV villain Omarosa entering a seminary
Blast rocks Afghan capital
Cargo ship that vanished spotted off Cape Verde islands
Taliban claim blast in Afghan capital | International |
Google users loyal: comScore
Mud-slinging on Afghan vote trail
US building tech tools to foil online censors
No normal ties with Ukraine under current leaders: Medvedev
Taiwan seeks foreign aid after typhoon catastrophe | International |
Gaza clashes between Hamas, Islamist radicals kill 13
Merkel, Medvedev tout 'strategic' economic cooperation
Iraqi journalists protest government pressure
Iran elections-Jackson death videos spur online viewing
Nineteen killed in Mexico prison riot | International |
BetOnSports founder pleads guilty in U.S. court
Google users search more, very loyal: comScore
Three killed in suicide blast in Pakistan's Swat | International |
Britain suspends Turks and Caicos government | International |
Let them eat cake at Gulag city birthday party | International |
South Korea's Lee seeks arms cut deal with North | International |
Colonial BancGroup, 4 other banks shut down
SKorea's Lee renews aid offer to NKorea
Palace assault trial ends in acquittals
Pakistan lifts tribal area political activity ban
Grad student imprisoned in Iran returns to US
Car bomb explodes at NATO headquarters in Kabul
Controller bantering on phone before crash
Taiwan seeks foreign aid after typhoon catastrophe
Suspect in Calif. toll plaza killings in court
Huge blast at NATO headquarters rocks Kabul
Leaked Radiohead song has fans on alert for new EP | Technology |
Huge blast rocks Afghan capital
US Senator Webb to meet Myanmar's junta leader
BetOnSports founder pleads guilty in U.S. court | Technology |
Police clash with steel workers in China: report
U2's Bono pays tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver
South Korea's Lee seeks arms cut deal with North
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 707
Event on Abu Ghraib soldier canceled over threats
NY police interview husband of wrong-way driver
Japan voices remorse for WWII, ex-premiers visit shrine
Kate Winslet goes from Oscar win to TV series
Hollywood sees win in China WTO case as first step
Pakistani c.bank buys 31.6 bln rupees of govt paper
Summary: WTO rules on China, but piracy persists
Malaysia 'well-positioned' to weather global crisis: IMF
Hilary Duff brings her charity work to Colombia
Aerosmith cuts short US tour due to Tyler's injury
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Miami rapper Pitbull ready for "Rebelution"
Police respond to Jon & Kate's house for argument
MC Hammer plans companion piece for 1990 hit album
Seinfeld to be first guest on new Jay Leno show | Entertainment |
Juanes gets heat for playing peace concert in Cuba
40 years later, Woodstock a thriving business | Entertainment |
Leaked Radiohead song has fans on alert for new EP | Entertainment |
Arrest warrant issued for Bobby Brown
Arrest warrant issued for Bobby Brown | Entertainment |
Investor alleges she was Madoff's 20-year mistress
Kelly Clarkson and LeBron James in "get schooled"
Kelly Clarkson and LeBron James in get schooled | Entertainment |
MC Hammer plans companion piece for 1990 hit album | Entertainment |
Hollywood sees win in China WTO case as first step | Entertainment |
Miami rapper Pitbull ready for Rebelution | Entertainment |
U.S. senator meets Suu Kyi, Myanmar junta leader | International |
Islamist leader among 22 killed in Gaza fighting
Pre-vote bomb at Kabul NATO base kills seven Afghans
Hamas hits Qaeda allies in Gaza, over 20 dead | International |
Iran detainees tortured, beaten to death: Karroubi
Islamist leader among 24 killed in Gaza fighting
Blast at NATO base in Kabul, three dead: official
Ransom demand: lost ship has shades of le Carre | International |
Chavez visits Fidel Castro for 83rd birthday | International |
Iran's leader appoints new judiciary chief: report | International |
South Korea's Lee seeks arms cut deal with North | International |
Madagascar's Rajoelina says only he can lead transition | International |
Colombia, US finalize deal on military bases
US senator meets Myanmar's democracy leader
Obama touts health care reform
Report says Bollywood icon detained at US airport
Catholic leaders urge Sri Lankan Tamils' release
Thai elephant hurt by mine gets artificial leg
Campaign tactics back as Obama presses health care
Steel workers in China protest plant purchase
Bowing to typhoon anger, Taiwan leader says sorry
AP NewsAlert
Facebook to face off with new Web rivals | Technology |
US senator meets Myanmar ruler, Suu Kyi
U.S. senator meets Suu Kyi, Myanmar junta leader
7 die, 91 wounded in blast near NATO HQ in Kabul
Parched parts of California scorched by wildfires
Philippines to ramp up fight against militants
S.Korean president calls for arms talks with North
Pakistan cuts policy rate by 100 bps to 13 pct
China to start cutting carbon emissions in 2050: FT
Bollywood star held in U.S. airport, fans outraged | Entertainment |
40 years later, Woodstock a thriving business
Sex and blood and MozartDon Giovanni
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

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01