In today’s news: The campaign period has ended for Afghanistan elections and preparations are underway for the vote on Saturday. The UN has evacuated about a third of its permanent international workforce and much of its staff will be on lockdown for the election day, The Guardian reports. A large protest in Kabul against cancelled Quran-burnings turned violent with over 35 police officers and a dozen civilians reportedly wounded. The WSJ reports on the latest incarnation of local defense militias. Pres. Karzai visited Pakistan where he met with Pres. Zardari and pledged cooperation between the two countries.
