A roundup of links to local stories of global importance from around the world.

A round up of links to local stories of global importance from around the world.

A roundup of links to local stories of global importance from around the world.

As Afghanistan prepares for its first-ever direct presidential elections on October 9, 2004, international actors should strive for the best but not be too disappointed at shortcomings and difficulties. Neither this election, nor the elections to the lower house of parliament, tentatively scheduled for April 2005, will make Afghanistan a fully functioning democracy.