Afghanistan braces for rematch between 2 political rivals
KABUL — The Afghan leader who was given a newly created post after a bitterly fought presidential election five years ago says he will run for the country’s top office again in elections planned for later this year.
Abdullah Abdullah, who was appointed chief executive in a deal brokered by the United States after the disputed 2014 elections, announced his candidacy on Sunday. President Ashraf Ghani is expected to run for re-election, setting up a rematch between the two rivals.
The election, which will be held on July 20, comes as the United States is accelerating efforts to end the 17-year war. A U.S. envoy has been trying to relaunch peace talks with the Taliban, who control nearly half the country and carry out near-daily attacks on Afghan security forces.
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The Associated Press
