Friday, April 4, 2014

Democratic Elections in Afghanistan


Afghanistan is scheduled to host democratic elections tomorrow, Saturday, April 5. Current President Hamid Karzai has been one of the main advocates of a peaceful transition of power, so once he leaves office it may be difficult to retain peaceful democratic relations between Afghanistan and the international community. The potential candidates, (all deliberately handpicked by Karzai, naturally) argue that they will promote peaceful democracy, but then again, politicians don’t exactly have a reputation for being honest and transparent about their in-office objectives. It is important to note, however, that the potential candidates are much more pro-America than Karzai. President Karzai and the Obama Administration have not been on the best of terms lately; according to the New York Times, “Obama administration officials…basically gave up on working with Mr. Karzai after he refused to sign a security deal that would allow American troops to stay past 2014.” In addition, Karzai recently praised Russia’s decision to annex Crimea. These events increase tensions in US-Afghanistan relations and, although elections are to be held tomorrow, Karzai is expected to stay in office for at least another six months. In addition, Karzai’s rigged election may produce another anti-American president. The Obama Administration better keep a careful eye on Afghanistan and the results of its election, especially when our troops could be affected.
 Read the article here: http://search.proquest.com/nationalnewsexpanded/docview/1512491241/4F680578FB5943C7PQ/3?accountid=44854

Alexandria Corriveau
PSC102

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