Voting in Afghanistan – Wonderful

(via INDC Journal)

I picked the below up from INDC Journal; this is wonderful news and to every solider, airmen, marine, and seamen that made this day possible; Thank you and you should be proud because you have done your country proud!

Another ally plants an important seed of Democracy in the Muslim World:

AFTER ENDURING Soviet occupation, civil war and rule by a medieval-minded Islamic militia, millions of Afghans will go to polling stations today for the first free election in their country's history. This is an extraordinary achievement, the more so because it will occur in spite of concerted efforts by the Taliban militia and its al Qaeda allies to prevent it. Thanks in part to U.S., NATO and Afghan forces and in part to the extraordinary determination of Afghan citizens to launch their democracy, the enemy campaign failed: the turnout percentage for the presidential vote may rival that of the U.S. presidential election. Sixteen candidates are challenging the current president, Hamid Karzai, and though he is expected to win, the outcome is neither fixed nor assured. In that respect alone, the Afghan election is unlike any ever held in most of the Muslim world.

Read More

Voting irregularities are causing protests among 15 of the 18 Afgan candidates. Regardless, the Afghani people have displayed a will for Democracy - the ball is rolling downhill:

Despite the controversy, reports from the ground by BBC correspondents spread across Afghanistan suggest that the issue has had little impact among voters.

Many Afghans are keen that the international community appreciate just what a historic day it has been for this country.

"It is amazing, as an Afghan, to see the turnout, see how many people have come out to cast their votes - especially as it was an exercise that was new to them," says Shoaib Sharifi, a senior Afghan journalist.

It's a view that many voters concurred with.

"This is a country that has suffered greatly over the years," said Abdul Mateen, a Pashtun taxi driver, after casting his vote in the city's diplomatic district.

"To be able to cast my vote and participate in the future of my country - this is a dream to be cherished."

To every American (pro Kerry supporter) that will use the above article to demonstrate something negative; please go back and learn (although it is not taught in our schools anymore) about our history say 1776 to the present; did we have any election controversies and I know you are not insinuating that we are a failure for democracy!