Afghan Polls Open With Kandahar Bombings

Afghans have begun voting in Afghanistan’s second election since the American invasion in 2001.  An hour before polls opened, bomb and mortar attacks were reported in the southern city of Kandahar, where the Taliban maintains strong influence.  One attack blew up a polling station.  Meanwhile, in a last minute effort officials shuttled ballots to districts via helicopter, since road travel is dangerous.  The election takes place amidst acute fears of insecurity, as the Taliban has boycotted the election and plans to inhibit turnout with threats of violence against voters.

The election comes at a time when 51 percent of polled Americans agree that the Afghan war is “not worth fighting,” cites a ABC News-Washington Post poll released Wednesday.  The poll revealed widespread American doubt the the election will result in improved Afghan governance.

UPDATE: Follow hour-by-hour updates on the election at the New York Times here.