Stories by the Author
A Clouded Relationship
Afghan analysts believe Pakistan does not want to see a strong government in their country.
18 Nov 05
The Cave-Dwellers of Bamian
Parliament and politics mean little to the people forced to live in caves beside the remains of Bamian's giant Buddhas.
18 Nov 05
Lofty Slogans, Low Expectations in Bamian
Candidates promise a lot, but voters in this remote highland region remain sceptical.
18 Nov 05
Chasing the Million-Dollar Prize
US wanted adverts for Osama bin Laden and Mullah Omar come up against Afghan conspiracy theories.
18 Nov 05
Teaching Women to Campaign
For Afghan women to get out of the home and onto the hustings takes some encouragement and some new-found courage.
18 Nov 05
Blinded by Logistics
The Joint Electoral Management Body insists the election will go off smoothly, and rejects claims that the recent surge in violence is connected to the vote.
18 Nov 05
Ghazni's Formidable Females
Lack of security and opposition from family members are minor obstacles to some of the candidates standing for parliament in a staunchly conservative region.
18 Nov 05
Might is Right in Election Vetting
Some candidates are struck off the ballot sheet for technical infractions, while others with alleged links to violence remain in the running.
18 Nov 05
Parties Fume on the Sidelines
Political groups have been frozen out of the parliamentary election campaign, and many say it is part of a master-plan to weaken the legislature.
18 Nov 05
Media Blitz: Much Ado About Nothing
The speeches have ended, the candidates are no longer on air, but the effectiveness of the media campaign has yet to be assessed.
18 Nov 05
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