Opposition leader advises Obama to clean up Afghan politics

PanARMENIAN.Net - 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, Reuters reported.

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."

"If the Taliban take over militarily and if the elections are rigged in 2014 the consequences will be a massive civil war," said Masood, sitting in the living room of his Kabul home protected by high walls and armed guards. "After 2014, the Taliban will definitely put their strength on display."

Masood said 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," he said. "People are well prepared."