Afghans demand a strategy to reduce civilian deaths, days ahead of international meeting

In Afghanistan, the Independent Election Commission has postponed parliamentary elections scheduled until September, a move that violates the country's constitution. Officials said a lack of funds, ongoing violence and concerns about election fraud makes it impossible to meet the original date in May. Afghanistan funds it elections through the United Nations and Western countries, but the UN and US have demanded changes to the system - including safeguards against fraud and corruption - before they sends more money. The UN, US government, and other countries expressed support for the delay.

The news comes just days before this Friday's London Conference, a high-level meeting of military officials and diplomats from countries that have troops in Afghanistan. One of the main topics will be military strategy in the country, including the troop surge and training Afghan forces. But many Afghans also want leaders to prioritize the issue of civilian deaths - including who's responsible and how it can be prevented. FSRN's Mujahid Jawad reports from Kabul.