Holbrooke optimistic on avoiding Afghan vote fraud [View All]

[TomCADem]

Source: Associated Press

"It is reasonable to hope that there will be less irregularities this time for several reasons," Holbrooke said.

He cited the fact that there will be two candidates this time, rather than the dozens who ran in August. Secondly, he said the experience of detecting fraud the first time around should help avoid it next time.

"Three, the international community, including the forces under Gen. (Stanley) McChrystal's command, are going to go all-out to help make this a success," he said, referring to American and NATO-led troops that will be available for security duties in greater number than in August.

The Obama administration is counting on the Nov. 7 vote being held in a way that Afghans and the international community see as legitimate. An outcome short of that is likely to raise further doubts about the wisdom of investing more U.S. troops and other resources in a counterinsurgency campaign in Afghanistan. A key pillar of that campaign is an Afghan government that is a credible partner of the U.S. and NATO.

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