PHOTOS: Afghanistan elections loom as security tightens
March 27, 2014
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 26: U.S. Army soldiers and provincial leaders walk with Haji Niyaz Mohammad Amirii (R), provincial governor of Logar Province, following a shura in his office on March 26, 2014 in Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. A shura is a meeting of community leaders. Security is at a heightened state throughout Afghanistan as the nation prepares for the April 5th presidential election. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480674117 )
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 27: U.S. Army adviser CPT Pearson Brantley (L) from Jonesboro, Georgia with 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division sits in on an Afghan National Army (ANA) battlefield update brief at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Maiwand, an ANA base that adjoins the U.S. Army's FOB Shank, on March 27, 2014 near Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at FOB Shank advise and assist Afghan National Security Forces in the region. Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at FOB Shank advise and assist Afghan National Security Forces in the region. Security is at a heightened state throughout Afghanistan as the nation prepares for the April 5th presidential election. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480869085 )
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 26: An Afghan flag flies outside the office of Haji Niyaz Mohammad Amirii, provincial governor of Logar Province, during a shura with community leaders and U.S. Army soldiers on March 26, 2014 in Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. A shura is a meeting of community leaders. Security is at a heightened state throughout Afghanistan as the nation prepares for the April 5th presidential election. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480667531 )
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 26: Haji Niyaz Mohammad Amirii (L), provincial governor of Logar Province, meets with U.S. Amry Major General Scott Miller during a shura on March 26, 2014 in Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. A shura is a meeting of community leaders. Security is at a heightened state throughout Afghanistan as the nation prepares for the April 5th presidential election. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480667529 )
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 26: Campaign posters are seen on a building through the window of an MRAP vehicle as U.S. soldiers from 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division drive through town on March 26, 2014 in Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at nearby Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shank advise and assist Afghan National Security Forces in the region. Security is at a heightened state throughout Afghanistan as the nation prepares for the April 5th presidential election. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480667173 )
GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 24: Brigadier General M. Asif Bromand Commander, Regional Medical Command-Southeast watches a rally for a presidential candidate on the television in his office at the Paktia Regional Military Hospital at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Thunder on March 24, 2014 near Gardez, Afghanistan. Afghans go to the polls to elect a new president on April 5th.The hospital, operated by the Afghan Army, treats wounded and sick soldiers and police from the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at nearby FOB Lightning advise and assist the staff at the hospital. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480305175 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 09: A picture of Afghan President Hamid Karzai with broken glass hangs on the wall in an Afghan National Police (ANP) outpost on March 9, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 477410559 )
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 26: U.S. Army soldiers and provincial leaders eat with Haji Niyaz Mohammad Amirii (R), provincial governor of Logar Province, following a shura in his office on March 26, 2014 in Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. A shura is a meeting of community leaders. Security is at a heightened state throughout Afghanistan as the nation prepares for the April 5th presidential election. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480674121 )
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 26: An Afghan National Police (ANP) officer stands guard at the gate of the provinial office complex which houses the office of Haji Niyaz Mohammad Amirii, provincial governor of Logar Province, during a shura with community leaders and U.S. Army soldiers on March 26, 2014 in Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. A shura is a meeting of community leaders. Security is at a heightened state throughout Afghanistan as the nation prepares for the April 5th presidential election. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480668207 )
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 27: An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier prepares for a mission at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Maiwand, an ANA base that adjoins the U.S. Army's FOB Shank, on March 27, 2014 near Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at FOB Shank advise and assist Afghan National Security Forces in the region. Security is at a heightened state throughout Afghanistan as the nation prepares for the April 5th presidential election. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480861291 )
GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 21: Physicians check in on patients at the Paktia Regional Military Hospital at FOB Thunder on March 21, 2014 near Gardez, Afghanistan. The hospital, operated by the Afghan Army, treats wounded and sick soldiers and police from the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at nearby FOB Lightning advise and assist the staff at the hospital. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 479918771 )
GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 24: A dentist at the Paktia Regional Military Hospital at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Thunder stands in his office on March 24, 2014 near Gardez, Afghanistan. The hospital, operated by the Afghan Army, treats wounded and sick soldiers and police from the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at nearby FOB Lightning advise and assist the staff at the hospital. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480302265 )
GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 24: A patient waits to see a doctor at the Paktia Regional Military Hospital at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Thunder on March 24, 2014 near Gardez, Afghanistan. The hospital, operated by the Afghan Army, treats wounded and sick soldiers and police from the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at nearby FOB Lightning advise and assist the staff at the hospital. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480302273 )
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 18: A soldier with the Afghan National Army (ANA) holds prayer beads during a basic training graduation ceremony at the ANA's Combined Fielding Center on March 18, 2014 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghan President Hamid Karzai recently said U.S. troops can leave Afghanistan at the end of the year because his military was ready to take over responsibility for the nation's security. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 479392553 )
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 18: Soldiers with the Afghan National Army (ANA) graduate from basic training during a ceremony at the ANA's Combined Fielding Center on March 18, 2014 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghan President Hamid Karzai recently said U.S. troops can leave Afghanistan at the end of the year because his military was ready to take over responsibility for the nation's security. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 479392521 )
GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 23: Soldiers with the Afghan National Army (ANA) take a first aid course during basic training at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Thunder on March 23, 2014 near Gardez, Afghanistan. Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) civilians stationed at nearby FOB Lightning advise and assist the instructors training the ANA soldiers. Afghan President Hamid Karzai recently said U.S. troops can leave Afghanistan at the end of the year because his military was ready to take over responsibility for the nation's security. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480180633 )
GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 21: Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division fire a mortar round during a training exercise on FOB Lightning on March 21, 2014 near Gardez, Afghanistan. The mission of the brigade is to advise and assist the Afghan National Army on nearby FOB Thunder. Most U.S. troops no longer undertake combat roles in Afghanistan. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX *** ( 479917891 )
GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 21: Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division participate in a ceremony to recognize newly promoted non-commissioned Officers (NCO) on FOB Lightning on March 21, 2014 near Gardez, Afghanistan. The mission of the brigade is to advise and assist the Afghan National Army on nearby FOB Thunder. Most U.S. troops no longer undertake combat roles in Afghanistan. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 479918009 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 07: LTC Christopher Budihas from Jacksonville, Florida with 4th Squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment addresses his soldiers following an awards ceremony on March 7, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. During the ceremony 84 soldiers with 4th Squadron 2d Cavalry Regimen received combat action awards for personally taking enemy fire during their tours in Afghanistan. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 477099899 )
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 26: Mississippi National Guard soldiers with the 858 Engineer Company, 223 Engineer Battalion demolish and haul away structures on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shank on March 26, 2014 near Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. As the U.S. changes its role in the 13-year-old war from combatants to advisors many FOBs, like Shank, are being downsized or closed. Shank is expected to be turned over to the Afghan National Army later this year. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480674167 )
GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 22: Workers help to fill a pallet with excess electrical connectors left by a departing unit as the U.S. continues draws down manpower in the 13-year-old war on March 22, 2014 near Gardez, Afghanistan. The connectors are slated to be sold for scrap. In the past year the U.S. Military has been reducing troops and equipment in Afghanistan as it transitions from a role of combatants, fighting alongside Afghan soldiers, to assisting the Afghan National Security Forces in an advisory role. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to develop a contingency plan for a complete pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480029083 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 08: Soldiers with 4th Squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment turn in their Stryker vehicles to the Redistribution Property Accountability Team (RPAT) facility at Kandahar Airfield (KAF) on March 8, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. The RPAT facility is responsible for shipping military equipment back to the United States after it has been damaged or is no longer needed in Afghanistan. The facility also redistributes equipment within the country if its needed by another unit. All remaining U.S. Army Strykers are expected to be shipped out of Afghanistan and back to the United States by the beginning of May 2014. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 477270855 )
PUL-E ALAM, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 27: An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier stands guard at a checkpoint on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Maiwand, an ANA base that adjoins the U.S. Army's FOB Shank, on March 27, 2014 near Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at FOB Shank advise and assist Afghan National Security Forces in the region. Security is at a heightened state throughout Afghanistan as the nation prepares for the April 5th presidential election. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 480861281 )
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 18: BU2 Steven Arkin with the U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB) 28 provides security as Seabees train soldiers with the Afghan National Army's (ANA) National Engineer Brigade at the ANA's combined Fielding Center on March 18, 2014 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Seabees are attached to the U.S. Army's 130th Engineer Brigade which is responsible for training ANA soldiers various engineering tasks at the facility. In a recent speech to his country's parliament, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said U.S. troops can leave Afghanistan at the end of the year because his military was ready to take over responsibility for the nation's security. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 479453085 )
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 18: A soldier with the Afghan National Army's (ANA) National Engineer Brigade tries to make dry land after leaping from the top of a Mabey-Johnson portable pre-fabricated bridge which his unit was learning to construct with the help of U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB) 28 at the ANA's combined Fielding Center on March 18, 2014 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Seabees are attached to the U.S. Army's 130th Engineer Brigade are responsible for training ANA soldiers various engineering tasks at the facility. In a recent speech to his country's parliament, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said U.S. troops can leave Afghanistan at the end of the year because his military was ready to take over responsibility for the nation's security. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX *** ( 479371211 )
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 18: Soldiers with the Afghan National Army's (ANA) National Engineer Brigade take a break for lunch as they train with U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB) 28 at the ANA's combined Fielding Center on March 18, 2014 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Seabees are attached to the U.S. Army's 130th Engineer Brigade are responsible for training ANA soldiers various engineering tasks at the facility. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 479368645 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 09: Children watch as soldiers with the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment climb back into their MRAP vehicles following a patrol into a village on March 9, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. U.S. President Barack Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 477410267 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 06: SPC Colton Cline from Granbury, Texas with the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment is covered with dust as he rests in the back of a Stryker vehicle while returning from a live-fire exercise in the desert on March 6, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 477054279 )
*** BESTPIX *** KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 06: PFC William Berczik from Houston, Texas wth 4th Squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment stands on top of a Stryker vehicle following a live-fire exercise with 120mm mortars in the desert on March 6, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 477092001 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 06: A Kiowa Warrior helicopter flies above soldiers with 4th Squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment during a live-fire exercise in the desert on March 6, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 477092421 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - FEBRUARY 28: CPT Ryan Yuan (R) and SSG Andrew Kulis from Lowell, Massechusettes with the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment patrols with a policeman from Afghanistan's National Defense Service as they look for caves with weapons caches on February 28, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced recently he is making preparations for a complete military withdrawal from Afghanistan because Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai continues to refuse to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. Fourth squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment is responsible for defending Kandahar Airfield against rocket attacks from insurgents. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 475533655 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 02: A soldier with the Afghan National Army (ANA) adjusts the Afghan flag on his vehicle before heading out on a joint patrol with soldiers from the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment on March 2, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 476080899 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 05: SPC Damian Keller from Charleston, South Carolina with the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment keeps watch during a joint patrol through a village with soldiers from the Afghan National Army (ANA) on March 5, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 476983821 )
*** BESTPIX *** KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - FEBRUARY 26: A young boy watches as soldiers from the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment pause while patroling through his village on February 26, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced he is making preparations for a complete military withdrawl from Afghanistan because Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai continues to refuse to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. Fourth squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment is responsible for defending Kandahar Airfield against rocket attacks from insurgents. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 474975551 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - FEBRUARY 27: Soldiers with the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment stand guard following a shura at the Daman District Center on February 27, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. A shura is a meeting with community leaders. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced recently he is making preparations for a complete military withdrawal from Afghanistan because Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai continues to refuse to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. Fourth squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment is responsible for defending Kandahar Airfield against rocket attacks from insurgents. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 475289291 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - FEBRUARY 26: 1LT Peter Spoehr (2nd from right) from Alexandria, Virginia with the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment meets with Afghan National Police (ANP) at an outpost February 26, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced he is making preparations for a complete military withdrawal from Afghanistan because Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai continues to refuse to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. Fourth squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment is responsible for defending Kandahar Airfield against rocket attacks from insurgents. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 474988523 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - FEBRUARY 26: 1LT Peter Spoehr with the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment meets with Afghan National Police (ANP) at an outpost February 26, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced he is making preparations for a complete military withdrawal from Afghanistan because Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai continues to refuse to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. Fourth squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment is responsible for defending Kandahar Airfield against rocket attacks from insurgents. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 474987919 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 04: A young girl looks over the top of a wall as soldiers from the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regimentsit participate in a joint patrol through her village with soldiers from the Afghan National Army (ANA) March 4, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 476628757 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - FEBRUARY 27: A school teacher clutches school supplies donated to his village by soldiers from the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment on February 27, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced recently he is making preparations for a complete military withdrawal from Afghanistan because Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai continues to refuse to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. Fourth squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment is responsible for defending Kandahar Airfield against rocket attacks from insurgents. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 475272833 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - FEBRUARY 26: A tattered Afghan flag flies above an Afghan National Police (ANP) outpost on February 26, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced he is making preparations for a complete military withdrawal from Afghanistan because Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai continues to refuse to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. Fourth squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment is responsible for defending Kandahar Airfield against rocket attacks from insurgents. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 474975545 )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - MARCH 03: Residents watch from a hill top as soldiers with the U.S. Army's 4th squadron 2nd Cavalry Regiment patrol through a village on March 3, 2014 near Kandahar, Afghanistan. President Obama recently ordered the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for a pullout from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 if Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai or his successor refuses to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ( 476506683 )
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