Foreign observers face hurdles in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — When Afghans select their new president next month, it will largely be up to tens of thousands of Afghan poll watchers to catch signs of ballot box stuffing and other vote-rigging that tarnished Hamid Karzai’s re-election five years ago. The international observer mission is far smaller this time, and relentless violence has driven away many foreigners who signed up.

It’s an example of how Afghan civilian institutions and the military are adjusting to a shrinking international footprint. U.S. and allied combat troops are preparing to withdraw by the end of this year despite a resilient Taliban insurgency, and Syria and other conflicts are increasingly competing with Afghanistan for aid money and attention.