KMC

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/...-few-years.html

Part of this article will explain the increase in violence during the last few weeks.

Afghanistan's second-ever presidential election is this Thursday. American marines have fanned out across the country’s volatile southern regions to increase security. But American efforts may not be enough—the Taliban have vowed to cut off the ink-stained fingers of any Afghans who vote

With the election two days away, Taliban attacks rocked Kabul today. The presidential palace and Ministry of Defense were under “indirect fire” from mortars or rockets, but no casualties were reported immediately. A suicide bomb on the road heading east to Jalalabad that targeted ISAF forces killed at least seven civilians and wounded at least 52. Two Afghan members of the United Nations were killed in the blast along with one NATO service member.