Story is anecdotal, but the interviews likely reflect widely held views among Afghans.

Agrees with others this report, made from inside a car driving around Kandahar, captures the high tension prior to the election, with Taliban leaving notices threatening anyone who votes, and lobbing mortars into the city.

Video account of final days before the election in Helmand province. Good coverage of the British envoy holding a meeting with local elders and their take on the war and voting.

Good account of 2-1/2 months on patrol with British troops, with video of day-to-day operations. Shows troops' frustrations getting Afghan soldiers to do their part as well as Afghan's frustrations at the war being conducted in among their homes.

The questions the poll was based on seem to have been vague. People come up with simplistic answers when asked overly simplistic questions. How many more troops? Enough to overwhelm the Taliban, or just a few more so it's just more soldiers to be vulnerable in an undersupported war? Different question, different answer.

First-hand account from Marine experienced in the area. Excellent description of the significant role the mountain landscape plays in this region. Also good writing on the soldier's perspective of pushing ahead despite the immediate absurdity of the task, trying to keep the long-term goals in mind. Good outline of power relationships in region.