Televised Debate Is a First for Kabul

Afghanistan's five leading presidential candidates faced off in the first televised debate of the historic race, showcasing an increasingly sophisticated approach to political campaigning.

The debate, aired on Afghanistan's independent Tolo News channel, underscored a crucial issue for the country's political elite: President Hamid Karzai's refusal to sign a security agreement with Washington. The debate was aired as Afghan newsrooms prepare for blanket coverage of the campaign. Local media outlets are launching dedicated campaign websites, editors are dispatching reporters to the provinces, and candidates are prepping for a series of unprecedented debates.