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Article: Karzai's Challengers Face Daunting Odds; Hopefuls Largely Ignore Insurgency
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- July 6, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2009 The Washington Post. This material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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As U.S. Marines launched a major offensive against Taliban
insurgents in southern Helmand province, the presidential campaign
unfolding in more peaceful parts of northern and eastern Afghanistan
last week seemed to be taking place on another planet.
Whether addressing rallies, chatting with voters in the streets
or receiving delegations of tribal leaders, candidates barely
mentioned the violent insurgency that international experts fear
could sabotage the Aug. 20 polling.
Instead, the presidential hopefuls stuck to themes they knew
would resonate with Afghan audiences. They denounced civilian
casualties by foreign forces and called for a negotiated settlement
with the Taliban. They railed ...