Afghanistan

Election Heats Up in Balkh

Northern province sees bitter face-off between powerful governor and the Afghan president.

Afghan Election 2009: Candidate Profiles

A look at some of the candidates in Afghanistan's presidential election.

Tribe Card Key

Herat Youth Turn Backs on Afghan Music

Traditional artists bemoan youngsters’ preference for the likes of Shakira.

Candidates Controversy as Presidential Race Kicks Off

Independent electoral commission says few of those competing for the post are eligible to do so.

Karzai Pre-Poll Media Saturation Criticised

A month before elections, a media monitoring unit alleges that the incumbent is unfairly dominating the airwaves.

Heratis Sceptical About Election

Local say threats by insurgents and presence of foreign troops cast shadow over upcoming elections.

Troubled Bid to Aid Balkh Beggars

A government plan to try to get them assistance from relief agencies does not seem to be working.

Insurgency Gaining Ground in Afghan North

Northern provinces in danger of slipping into chaos as British and American forces focus on the south.

Helmandis Braced for Taleban Battle

Local residents greet massive marine offensive with equal measures of hope and fear.