Afghan poll looms amid Nato push
Updated on 12 August 2009
Lindsey Hilsum meets the Afghan politicians daring to stand in Taliban-controlled areas and the troops bracing themselves for an election-day battle.
Eight days to go before elections in Afghanistan and both NATO and the Taliban are stepping up operations in the battle for the hearts and minds of frightened voters.
US troops met heavy resistance as they attempted to clear a town which had been under Taliban control for several years.
While in the usually peaceful north, militants stormed a police post killing the district chief and two other officers.
Our International Editor Lindsey Hilsum has been to Lashkar Gah the capital of Helmand province - where British troops are heavily engaged fighting the Taliban.
She's been speaking to local politicians daring to stand despite Taliban threats and the security forces charged with keeping them safe.
