Re-Do

New Election in Afghanistan

Runoff vote could affect troop decision.

Afghanistan presidential election: take two. Western and Afghan officials are suggesting that a runoff is likely in Afghanistan's disputed presidential race after widespread allegations of fraud wrecked the first vote's legitimacy, the Wall Street Journal reports. The news is a mixed bag for the White House: On the one hand, a new election could bolster the government in Kabul if it's perceived as fairer than the previous one, which many saw as rigged in favor of incumbent Hamid Karzai. On the other hand, it could make it difficult to come to a decision on whether to bolster the American troop presence in Afghanistan until the vote's outcome becomes clear. According to the Journal, results might not come until January, making the delay a significant problem.