Democracy is about to get a road test in Afghanistan. This weekend, the Afghan people will vote in their first-ever national election. Despite the fear of attacks on polling stations and car bombings and attempted assassinations, people are surprisingly optimistic about this step towards democracy.
Some observers caution this election is being held too soon, and that there aren’t enough safeguards in place to make it free and fair. Others warn that in a country awash with arms, where every family has a gun, warlords will prevail, and democracy will falter.
As the people of Afghanistan are preparing to vote, the question still remains: will democracy ever make its way through the Khyber Pass?
Guests:
Nader Nadery, Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission
Aziz Rafiee, Coordinator of the Afghan Civil Society Forum
Christine Rocker, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs
Brad Adams, Executive Director of the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch