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Attacks Raise Fresh Doubts Over Afghan Elections

Kabul (Reuters, January 10) - A spate of deadly attacks has cast fresh doubts over Afghanistan's ambitious plan to hold its first ever free elections in June, fueling fears they will be hijacked by Islamic militants and strongmen.

Political analysts say President Hamid Karzai is under pressure from his backers in Washington to hold the vote as soon as possible, so it can be touted as a foreign policy victory by President Bush as he seeks re-election in November.

But the consequences could be seriously damaging for Afghanistan, they warn. ...

But in a situation with clear lessons for another post-war scenario in Iraq, violence in Afghanistan is already having a negative impact on preparations for the vote.

Only 275,000 out of Afghanistan's estimated 10 million voters have been registered because the United Nations considers much of the country too dangerous to work in.

U.N. officials have said June looks an impossible target unless security improves significantly.

At least Shrub's backers are focused on what's important here.