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Taliban attacks in north Afghanistan spike

Once-secure region target of militants

Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009

Eight years ago, this northern flood plain was the scene of the Taliban's last stand. Now, it's the locus of a resurgent militancy in a region that is fast becoming a new front in the Afghan war.

Election official: Afghan election troubled

Says Russia democracy stalls

Friday, Aug. 28, 2009

The head of a U.S.-based organization that aided Afghanistan's electoral commission lowered expectations Thursday for that country's presidential vote, saying, "The outcome will not be something that we can all go out and celebrate."

Fraud charges raised in Afghan election

Abdullah pursues coalition, anticipates runoff with Karzai

Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009

Abdullah Abdullah, the leading challenger to Afghan President Hamid Karzai, accused his rival on Saturday of using his power to manipulate the war-torn country's second-ever presidential election.

Karzai, Abdullah claiming Afghan election victory

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009

President Hamid Karzai and leading challenger Abdullah Abdullah both claimed to be ahead Friday in Afghanistan's second presidential election, after a vote marred by sporadic violence and low turnout.

Afghan voters brave rockets, bombs

Turnout low; warlords still hold sway over Afghans

Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

As Afghans went to the polls Thursday amid reports of low voter turnout, sporadic violence and fraud, evidence suggested that former warlords still wield heavy-handed influence that could ultimately decide who wins.

Taliban's pre-election bombing intensifies

Attack on convoy near capital kills 8, wounds 55

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

Insurgents stepped up a bombing campaign Tuesday in an apparent attempt to disrupt Thursday's elections, and the government countered by restricting local and international media reports of extremist attacks on election day.

Security ramps up for Afghan election

Threats loom over Karzai's re-election bid

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009

As Afghanistan's second-ever presidential campaign season came to a close Monday, authorities moved to tighten security in the face of Taliban threats to disrupt the vote with attacks on polling stations.

Karzai's challengers score points in debate

But polls still show him ahead

Monday, Aug. 17, 2009

Top candidates made a last-minute push for votes Sunday, with incumbent President Hamid Karzai appearing in a televised debate in which opponents spent nearly 90 minutes criticizing his alliances with regional warlords.

Karzai challenger hopes for runoff

Ex-foreign minister is certain he will win in follow-up vote

Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009

Swaying from the sunroof of a dirt-streaked 4x4, Abdullah Abdullah could only grin.