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Afghanistan - More violence on eve of Election Day

by albertacowpoke | August 19, 2009 at 02:21 am

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Insurgent attacks continued the attempt to discourage voters from taking part in tomorrow's second Presidential election in Afghanistan.

The increased violence seems to have some effect on the population. Early Wednesday morning three armed men too over a branch of the Paschtani bank in Kabul. Police, who surrounded the bank, exchanged gun fire with the insurgents for almost four hours.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for this attack. It was the third major incident in recent days. The violence has people worried about their lives and security. In recent days the Taliban have threatened the populace with reprisals if they vote.

According to Canadian Brigadier-General Eric Tremblay insurgent attacks average 48 a day in the lead up to the election.

General Abdul Rashid Dostum has recently returned to Afghanistan from exile in Turkey in an effort to shore up support President Karzai. Dostum is linked in a large part to the Opium Trade and the alleged murder of thousands of Al Qaeida and Taliban prisoners.

The Taliban have posted letters warning of reprisals in shops and on houses. NATO forces have ceased all offensive operations in an effort to shore up security to the election.

President Hamid Karza is not expected to win over 50% of the vote in the first round. A run off election will in all likelihood be necessary.

Insurgent activity continued to reverberate in the Afghan capital Wednesday as the country prepares for its second democratic presidential election.

Interior Ministry spokesman Zemeri Bashary told The Associated Press that three armed men took over a branch of the Pashtani Bank early Wednesday in the Jadi Maiwand area of Kabul. Police responded and surrounded the building, exchanging gunfire with the attackers for about four hours.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the incident, which is the third major attack to rock the capital in recent days.

The Taliban have vowed to disrupt Thursday's election and have told voters they risk being caught in an attack if they go to cast ballots.

Canadian Brig.-Gen. Eric Tremblay, a spokesman for the NATO-led force, said insurgent attacks have increased leading into the election and now average 48 attacks a day.

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158

at 06:56 on August 19th, 2009

Afghanistan may be the wrong place for a war.

Canadian troops are leaving next year.

This war could hurt Obama if he runs for reelection.

MilanSturgis

at 10:28 on August 19th, 2009

Karl,

Tense day-quiet night.

Milan

albertacowpoke

at 17:07 on August 19th, 2009

Good Luck, Milan, I hope all goes well for you tomorrow.

t k kidwai

at 10:38 on August 19th, 2009

No place is right for war.The Afghan war is neither for democracy nor any other noble purpose worth the name.

Control of energy resources has necessiated this war.War theatres are shifted accordingly.Oil keeps our car engines running,our industries running,our heaters running.We never thought of one more utility of this source of energy:it keeps war machines running.