KABUL – Prominent Afghan opposition leader Ahmad Zia Masood has urgent advice for President Barack Obama in his second term – clean up Afghan politics before the next election or risk civil war. Masood said a number of factors could trigger another internal conflict after most NATO combat troops leave at the end of 2014, including growing fears of another Taliban takeover. Most importantly, Obama must focus on ensuring that a 2014 election is free and fair after President Hamid Karzai's re-election in 2009 was blighted by allegations of fraud. A marred poll could be the tipping point in a country where frustration is growing over corruption, poor governance, dilapidated infrastructure and high unemployment, said Masood. “On top of all these problems if the election is rigged then the people will lose patience and that opens up the door for a massive civil war,” said Masood, leader of the National Front of Afghanistan, a major opposition party. “If the political process is transparent here there won't be a reason for a civil war. We expect Obama to pressure the government for a free and fair election.” Opponents of Karzai, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, are worried he is trying to install an ally or relative as his successor to maintain a grip on power. Karzai has suggested foreign members be removed from the election watchdog, a step that could be seen as bolstering his influence. Karzai says he is committed to democracy. The president's older brother, businessman Abdul Qayum Karzai, has said he is interested in running for president. Masood's party brings together some former leaders of the Northern Alliance which toppled the Taliban. They include ethnic Uzbek General Abdul Rashid Dostum. Masood, an ethnic Tajik, said fair elections must be held to boost confidence that democracy can hold the country together and discourage the Taliban from trying to take over again after most NATO combat troops leave by the end of 2014. “If Obama wants to he can make the elections free and fair,” said Masood. “Every case of fraud in the election will take the country toward instability and the whole nation will rise up. This is not advantageous for the international community.” Masood says pessimism is growing and there are signs that Afghans are bracing for another civil war, stocking up on weapons. Even in relatively peaceful western Herat Province, officials have expressed concerns people are arming themselves. “The price of one AK-47 has gone up to $1,000,” Masood said. “People are well prepared.” — Reuters
