Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Security ramped up ahead of Afghan elections
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Security ramped up ahead of Afghan elections
By HEIDI VOGT and AMIR SHAH,Associated Press Writers -
Friday, September 17
Send
IM Story
Print
KABUL, Afghanistan – Police set up extra checkpoints across Afghanistan on Friday to search for suicide bombers and insurgents a day ahead of parliamentary polling that will test the government's ability to hold legitimate elections after last year's disastrous presidential vote.
Whether the balloting is safe and fair will reverberate strongly with the international coalition supporting Afghanistan with 140,000 troops and billions of dollars, following the fraud-marred presidential vote in August 2009 that nearly undermined President Hamid Karzai's credibility with his international backers.
About 2,500 candidates are vying for 249 parliamentary seats allocated among the 34 provinces according to population.
Results of the voting for the relatively weak legislature are unlikely to affect Karzai's administration. However, the elections will be an indicator of the strength of the insurgency as NATO and Afghan forces work to secure polling stations in volatile areas amid Taliban threats.
The Taliban have warned of countrywide attacks on Saturday targeting voters and election workers.
In eastern Khost province, police said mosques were blanketed with leaflets overnight promising a violent vote.
"The people of Khost should not go to the voting centers. If anyone goes, we will punish them," the notes said, according to provincial police Chief Abdul Hakim Isaqzai.
Afghan security forces patrolled the mountains and hills that circle Kabul to prevent insurgents from setting up rocket-firing points, Deputy Police Chief Khalilullah Dastyar said. Police used bomb-sniffing dogs while searching every car heading along main roads into the city.
"Also at all the voting centers, police are already deployed," Dastyar said.
The streets were relatively empty as is typical for a Friday, which is not a working day in Afghanistan.
In volatile Kunar province in the northeast, police said they have not been able to deploy soldiers to remote areas but have set up checkpoints on the roads into the provincial capital. They are stopping vehicles and questioning anyone wearing a burqa _ the full-body robe often worn by Afghan women in conservative areas. Insurgents previously have hidden under burqas to get past checkpoints.
"We are talking to anyone with a burqa to make sure it's actually a woman," said Khalilullah Zaiyi, the provincial police chief.
With a raging insurgency, hardly anyone is predicting a fully free and fair vote.
"This is probably one of the worst places and the worst times to have an election anywhere in the world. We have to put it into perspective," said Staffan de Mistura, the top U.N. envoy to Afghanistan.
"We don't expect a fair and transparent election. What we expect is an acceptable election," said Haroun Mir, director of the Afghanistan Center for Research and Policy Studies, a Kabul-based think tank.
The hope is that Afghans and the international community will be able to proclaim it an improvement over the August 2009 presidential vote, when a U.N.-backed watchdog group found rampant fraud in Karzai's re-election.
Violence already has been a problem in the run-up to Saturday's vote. At least 21 people have been killed in election-related violence, including four candidates, according to observer groups.
On Thursday, 18 election workers were kidnapped from a house in Badghis province, said provincial government spokesman Sharafuddin Majidi. He said local residents told the government that the workers had been taken by the Taliban. Further details were not available.
In eastern Ghazni province, a Taliban operative told The Associated Press that the group had warned residents they would be targeted if they left their homes or opened shops anytime Saturday or Sunday.
Also in the east, NATO said Friday that coalition forces detained two insurgents in Khost province, including one who was "actively" planning attacks during the elections. In the south, NATO reported that a coalition service member died Friday following an insurgent attack. The service member's nationality was not disclosed.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Alabama says BP denies its claim over oil spill Reuters - 42 minutes ago
UK-World Summary Reuters - 50 minutes ago
Hurricane Karl bears down on Gulf of Mexico AFP - 1 hour 6 minutes ago
Lebanon tribunal says can hear El Sayed file request Reuters - 1 hour 16 minutes ago
Taliban kidnap candidate on eve of Afghan poll AFP - 1 hour 18 minutes ago
News Search
Top Stories
Eurozone trade deficit steady in July
Denmark's TDC sells Swiss offshoot for 2.5 bln euros
City, Liverpool win as Europa League gorges on goals
US toughens demand for China currency action
Number of poor in US jumps to record 43.7 million
More Top Stories »
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
UN scientists say ozone layer depletion has stopped
Number of poor in US jumps to record 43.7 million
City, Liverpool win as Europa League gorges on goals
Arctic sea ice melts to third lowest area on record
US jobless claims fall faster than expected
More Most Viewed »
Climate: New study slashes estimate of icecap loss
US pastor puts Koran-burning on hold
'Time bomb' superbug requires global response: doctor
Japanese rider Tomizawa dies in San Marino Moto2 GP
Vitamin B 'could delay Alzheimer's onset'
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo!
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
World Cup 2010
Yahoo! News Network
Copyright © 2010 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 Friday, 17 September 2010 Ten die in minibus blast in southeast Turkey
Tokyo Game Show opens with focus on 3D videogames
Arabs to target Israel at U.N. atom body, resist West
Sarkozy, EU leader clash over Roma dispute
|
New CEO says GM repayment to US may take 'couple of years'
Miami Herald slashes 49 jobs in latest US newspaper cutback
Taliban threaten to attack Afghanistan election
Justin Bieber 3-D Movie Gets A Release Date
UN scientists say ozone layer depletion has stopped
Motorola buys location-based software developer Aloqa
Sara Bareilles Earns #1 Billboard Album With "Kaleidoscope Heart"
Iran opposition leader's office attacked
France will dismantle 'all illegal' camps: Sarkozy
Alleged Johns Hopkins Shooting Suspect Kills Mom, Self
Afghan officials promise security for elections
EU regulators crack down on concert, sports tickets sites
Clinton says Mideast peace 'within reach'
Taxi Passenger Takes Ride On Naked Side
UK does not rule out delay to new nuclear submarines
|
US toughens demands for China currency action
Whitman Breaks Record For Personal Donations To Campaign
Gates cautiously optimistic on Afghan war
|
US jobless claims fall faster than expected
China editor concerned after punishment
FedEx Profits Double In 1Q But 1,700 Jobs To Be Cut
China's Alibaba says rejects offer to buy back stake
Myanmar excludes some minority areas from poll: media
Ex-Guatemalan soldier gets maximum U.S. prison term
|
Case Dropped Against "Craigslist Killer"
Chinese dissident author says obstinacy beat travel ban
Seven foreigners kidnapped in Niger, five French
|
CNBC's Bartiromo To Write Column for USA Today
China's Zheng faces months out
Top separatist urges sit-in protests in Indian Kashmir
Chuck E. Cheese's Recalls 1 Million Toys
Carter urges N.Korea talks, but US cautious
Motorola buys location-based software developer Aloqa
Clinton says Mideast peace 'within reach'
Audit board chief named S.Korea's new PM
Burlington Recalls Children's Jackets With Drawstrings
Hurricane Karl menaces Mexico, Igor eyes Bermuda
China calls for 'concrete actions' from Japan
Sting to open Poland's first Euro 2012 stadium
A Minute With: Disney's grown-up child star Raven-Symone
CIC says China should reduce dollar assets if Fed stays loose: DJ
India hikes interest rates for fifth time this year
US toughens demand for China currency action
Pakistan must raise billions after flood
China approves four Taiwan banks to open on mainland
Samsung aims to lead global refrigerator market
Toyota may provide hybrid technology to Daimler: reports
Taxi Passenger Takes Ride On Naked Side
Paul McCartney to reissue Wings album Band on the Run
|
Pakistan to review monetary policy on Sept 29
Pact Signals More Commercial Space Travels
Estevez and Sheen find The Way after failed project
|
Pakistani stocks end lower; rupee weakens, o/n rates flat
Mideast talks still under threat after Clinton visit
Pope seeks better ties with Anglicans on Britain visit
Japan PM rejigs cabinet
|
US-TECH Summary
Iran sanctions working
Pakistani politician murdered outside London home: reports
Rebels kill NATO soldiers, civilians ahead of Afghan polls
LG Elec names new CEO as mobile business struggles
Karachi shuts down after politician killed in London
|
City, Liverpool win as Europa League gorges on goals
Polish police arrest Chechen independence leader
Pro-privacy social network launched as Facebook rival
U.S. Lists 20 Countries Involved In Drug Production, Transit
New web address hints at Putin return to Kremlin
|
US toughens demand for China currency action
U.S. Senate Committee Supports Russian Nuclear Treaty
Samsung launches Galaxy tablet for U.S. market
Dozens killed in Mexican drug shootouts: reports
|
Chechen leader wanted by Russia is in Poland: activists
Obama Announces Appointments For AAPI Advisory Commission
Clash over water kills one and injures 18 in Peru
|
U.S. Justifies Releasing Additional $30 Million To Colombia
Number of poor in US jumps to record 43.7 million
revamping email and getting 'more social'
Five French, two Africans kidnapped in Niger
U.S., France Agree International Sanctions Limiting Iran
Iran sanctions working: U.S. and French defense chiefs
|
Tech Stocks Break Wall Street Fall
Wall Street hopes next Brazil leader politically adept
|
Record Blackberry shipments in second quarter: RIM
Indians Sign MoU In Washington To Research International Migration
Child death rate down by a third since 1990: UNICEF
|
Candice Bergen To Play Cuddy's Mom On "House"
U.S. looks beyond Myanmar vote for political change
Ed Gordon Returns To BET Networks With 2 Shows
U.S. poverty rate hits 15-year high
Congress Seeks to Punish China for Currency Exchange Rate
Apple, at long last, launches iPad in China
Android gains US smartphone market share: comScore
Director confesses to Joaquin Phoenix hoax
Samsung launches Galaxy tablet for U.S. market
|
US-TECH Summary
Actors turned directors shine at Toronto film festival
Indian police say one dead in Kashmir shooting
Japan PM rejigs cabinet and juggles yen, debt and economy
LG Elec names new CEO as mobile business struggles
|
LG Elec names new CEO as mobile business struggles
N.Zealand on tornado watch amid storm 'the size of Australia'
Exiled Pakistani politician murdered in London
Samsung launches Galaxy tablet for U.S. market
High-tech cow earrings mark new path for Brazil
|
Australian Aborigines 'world's first astronomers'
New Zealand's Rokocoko signs on for World Cup
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"Borat" star to play Freddie Mercury in movie
For horse and rider, 'eventing is ultimate test'
Two Koreas hold talks on reunions as tensions ease
Katy Perry leads U.S. singles chart with Bruno Mars on horizon
Japan PM in sweeping cabinet reshuffle
Showtime unveils bantamweight tournament
Dengue outbreak hits south China ahead of Asian Games
Director confesses to Joaquin Phoenix hoax
High school pic "Easy A" set to lead box office
"American Idol" new judges to be unveiled Wednesday
Actors turned directors shine at Toronto film festival
Crowds turn out for iPad's China launch
Benicio Del Toro invokes Che Guevara in Brazil land struggle
Corruption threatens Indonesia's economic rise: IMF
Seoul shares hit new 27-mth closing high on techs
Director admits Joaquin Phoenix documentary a hoax
|
Pakistani c.bank buys back 58.45 bln rupees of govt paper
US courts Indonesia with inaugural talks
American Idol new judges to be unveiled Wednesday
|
China's yuan weakens despite US anger
Borat star to play Freddie Mercury in movie
|
Australian police testify for death-row convict
Director confesses to Joaquin Phoenix hoax
|
PAKISTAN
High school pic Easy A set to lead box office
|
Iran c.bank to open accounts at South Korean banks
Katy Perry leads U.S. singles chart with Bruno Mars on horizon
|
LG Electronics CEO quits over flagging earnings
Seoul shares gain 0.3 pct; LG Elec jumps
Actors turned movie directors seek success in Toronto
|
S.Korean bonds edge up in thin pre-holiday trade
Taliban kidnap candidate on eve of Afghan poll
Britain arrests five over Pope 'terrorist' threat
Rash of kidnappings hit on eve of Afghan vote
|
Sarkozy 'misunderstood' Merkel on Roma: German FM
Five men arrested in London during pope visit
|
Afghan election will have irregularities: Karzai
Sri Lanka accidental blast kills 25: military
|
Polish police arrest Chechen independence leader
Denmark's TDC sells Swiss offshoot for 2.5 bln euros
Israeli troops kill Hamas commander in West Bank
Katy Perry Spends Second Week At #1 On Billboard Hot 100 With "Teenage Dream"
Sara Bareilles Earns #1 Billboard Album With "Kaleidoscope Heart"
Israeli troops kill Hamas commander in West Bank
|
Taliban kidnap 19 officials on eve of Afghan vote
Top Belarus opposition leader says won't run in vote
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Sudan holds first open debate on unity vs secession
France urges danger zone exit after Niger kidnap
|
Karzai urges Afghans to vote, ignore Taliban
Sony hopes Facebook film befriends fans, Oscar
Danish police say bomber's target was newspaper
|
Security ramped up ahead of Afghan elections
Hard hit Africa leads fall in new HIV infections: U.N.
|
Security ramps up ahead of Afghan vote
US-TECH Summary
Motorola buys locator software developer Aloqa
Actors turned directors shine at Toronto festival
Sri Lanka 'jails ex-army chief Fonseka'
Over 60 killed in Sri Lanka blast
Mother, daughter killed in Calif. blast remembered
South Korea sends aid to North as reunions to resume
Sony hopes Facebook film befriends fans and Oscar
Thais pray for hospitalised king as anniversary nears
Police say Wash. acid attack self-inflicted
Coast Guard Rescues 3 Boaters In Prince William Sound
Jailed George Michael abandons bail bid
One Dead After Strong Winds Possibly Spawn NY Tornado
London Fashion Week gets under way
Mother, son dead at Johns Hopkins, doctor shot
India deploys army to quell Kashmir unrest
Feds Charge 53 In Crackdown Of Identity Theft Ring
'Halo: Reach' rings up $200 million on first day
Murkoswski To Announce Decision On Independent Bid Friday
Del Toro invokes Guevara in Brazil land struggle
Philippine president reviews bus hijacking report
BREAKING: Police Shoot Gun-Wielding Man Near U.S. Capitol
Actors turned directors shine at Toronto festival
Enbridge Restarts Pipeline Friday After Leak
Maoist leader withdraws from race to be Nepal PM
Heartwarming Comedy "$5 A Day" Comes To Blu-Ray, DVD
Increasingly literate India fuels newspaper boom
Australian pupils probed after kangaroo beaten to death
Father's Absence May Cause Early Puberty In Girls
Pakistani stocks, o/n rates end up; rupee firms
Acid Attack Story Was A Hoax
Key Australian MP upset over reforms row
Sacha Baron Cohen To Play Freddie Mercury In Film About Queen
Director admits Joaquin Phoenix documentary a hoax
China 'aims to lead world' in eco-friendly cars
Nike exec released in China soccer graft probe
Standard Chartered 'may move HQ to Far East'
Bharti picks IBM to upgrade Africa mobile network
China's central bank warns economy still faces challenges
Sony hopes Facebook film befriends fans and Oscar
|
S.Korea spotted buying dlrs to curb won -dealers
Jailed George Michael abandons bail bid
|
YouTube star Fred won't be changed by fame, says creator
|
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