KABUL - As the final weeks approach for the 20 August presidential and provincial council elections the massive logistical operation behind organizing the polls is becoming clear.

KABUL - The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan continues to take a heavy toll on the country’s civilians, according to the United Nations mission there, which recorded over 1,000 deaths in the first six months of 2009 – 24 per cent more than during the same period last year.

28 July 2009 - On 20 August Afghanistan will hold elections for President and provincial council members. This is the second time Afghans will go to the polls since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. And preparations are in full swing.