Opposition leader advises Obama to clean up Afghan politicsNovember 8, 2012 - 15:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Prominent Afghan opposition leader Ahmad Zia Masood has urgent advice for President Barack Obama in his second term - clean up Afghan politics before the next election or risk civil war, Reuters reported. Masood said a number of factors could trigger another internal conflict after most NATO combat troops leave at the end of 2014, including growing fears of another Taliban takeover. Most importantly, Obama must focus on ensuring that a 2014 election is free and fair after President Hamid Karzai's re-election in 2009 was blighted by allegations of fraud. A marred poll could be the tipping point in a country where frustration is growing over corruption, poor governance, dilapidated infrastructure and high unemployment, said Masood. "On top of all these problems if the election is rigged then the people will lose patience and that opens up the door for a massive civil war," said Masood, leader of the National Front of Afghanistan, a major opposition party. "If the political process is transparent here there won't be a reason for a civil war. We expect Obama to pressure the government for a free and fair election." "If the Taliban take over militarily and if the elections are rigged in 2014 the consequences will be a massive civil war," said Masood, sitting in the living room of his Kabul home protected by high walls and armed guards. "After 2014, the Taliban will definitely put their strength on display." Masood said pessimism is growing and there are signs that Afghans are bracing for another civil war, stocking up on weapons. Even in relatively peaceful western Herat Province, officials have expressed concerns people are arming themselves. "The price of one AK-47 has gone up to $1,000," he said. "People are well prepared." Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. Pashinyan: Armenia’s desired goal is “on the horizon” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is moving forward “without interruption”. Opposition leader, supporters spend night at Sardarapat memorial Police made nearly 300 arrests the day before as Galstanyan and his supporters continued to demonstrate in Yerevan. |