Afghan Presidential Contenders Challenge Karzai in Debate
August 16 -- In a live television debate sponsored and moderated by Radio Azadi in Kabul, Afghan President Hamid Karzai was strongly challenged by two of his main opponents in Thursday's presidential election. [Video highlights in English here / Listen to the debate in Dari and Pashto here.]
Exclusive Interview: Karzai Proud of His Achievements
August 14 -- As part of a series of exclusive interviews with Afghan presidential candidates, Afghan President Hamid Karzai told Radio Azadi Director Akbar Ayazi that he is proud of his accomplishments as president during the last seven years. [Read the transcript in Dari]
Exiled Afghan Warlord Returns Home Days Before Presidential Vote
August 17 -- Speaking to Radio Azadi, a spokesperson to the Afghan President confirmed the return of General Abdul Rashid Dostum to Afghanistan from Turkey. Dostum, an ally of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, has been in Turkey since last year, when the Afghan government released him from house arrest imposed for fighting with a rival warlord. Dostum's supporters, who gave him 10 percent of the vote in the 2004 election, had threatened to withdraw their backing for President Karzai in the upcoming election unless the former Communist general was allowed to return. [Read more in Dari]
Afghan 'Gandhi' Running a People-Centric Campaign
August 14 -- While most Afghan presidential contenders campaign from fortified headquarters or travel in armored cars with gun-toting bodyguards, one candidate is getting his message out to remote corners of Afghanistan in a rickety minibus. Meet Ramzan Bashardost -- according to opinion polls, the third most popular candidate in the field of 35. Radio Azadi's Abubakar Siddique has a closer look at Bashardost's life and chances of success in the elections. [Read in English]