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Afghans Stock Up on Guns After Disputed Election

Political turmoil sends 'Kalashnikov Index' soaring

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 11, 2009 2:32 AM CDT

(Newser) – The price of a smuggled Kalashnikov assault rifle in Afghanistan has more than doubled in recent weeks amid rising political turbulence, Time reports. Last month's election is widely believed to have been rigged in favor of President Hamid Karzai, and many fear challenger Abdullah Abdullah and the warlords he represents may turn to violence. "People are arming themselves," warns one Western diplomat in Kabul. 

Karzai officially has 54% of the vote, with 92% of ballots counted, but UN officials believe that total would fall well below 50% if the fraudulent votes were ditched, forcing a runoff election. Diplomats believe a runoff would go a long way toward restoring the Afghan government's credibility. Even if Karzai consented, however, snowy conditions in northern Afghanistan will soon make a nationwide vote unfeasible until spring, leaving the country facing many more months of uncertainty.

Afghans cycle past an election poster in Kabul  earlier this week.
Afghans cycle past an election poster in Kabul earlier this week.   (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The price of a Kalashnikov in Afghanistan has soared from $150 to $400 since June.
The price of a Kalashnikov in Afghanistan has soared from $150 to $400 since June.   (Getty Images)
Abdullah Abdullah, President Hamid Karzai's main rival, i waves to his supporters at the Afghan national hero Ahmed Shah Massoud's mausoleum in Panjshir, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday.
Abdullah Abdullah, President Hamid Karzai's main rival, i waves to his supporters at the Afghan national hero Ahmed Shah Massoud's mausoleum in Panjshir, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
jagerhans
Sep 11, 2009 10:02 AM CDT
AK family , the world #1 life insurance plan. I'd love to have one.
Forderon
Sep 11, 2009 4:28 AM CDT
Yep, the difference is that in the US the ones stocking up on guns were the ones who tried to steal the election again also.
dax
Sep 11, 2009 3:39 AM CDT
Huh. I guess our two countries have more in common than we supposed.

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