There are two significant elections this week, and most Americans are minimally aware of either. But we should be.
Australians and Afghanis go to the polls this week to determine their leadership. For Australians, it is business as usual, just as it is here. Latham and Howard vie for the post of Prime Minister, and the race for seats in Parliament are pretty much neck and neck. Slatts, Kev, and Tim have all the specifics. Tim has a poll of Aussie bloggers.
The important issue in Australia is Iraq and Islamicists. Howard is a staunch supporter of both, and Latham is their Kerry.
Afghanistan is anything but business as usual. This election is their first. Ever.Hamid Karzai faces some 20 others in his bid to retain his position. Prime among his opponents is Abdul Rashid Dostum, who was once Karzai’s military advisor. Karzai is Pashtun. Dostum is Uzbek. So, tribal and sectarian divisions are in play. Slice, who just returned from a tour there believes Karzai will have no problem winning the election. But he must get at least 50% of the vote to avert a runoff–most likely against Dostum.
With virtually every MSM reporter in this country covering our election, we’ll get little info on wither except through internet sources. I would recommend Hook as the man on the scene for Afghanistan, and the above-mentioned Aussies, as well as Arthur and Chris, for word on the Australian election.