From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Has democracy come to Afghanistan?

Hello again, I'm Aran Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

Some U.S. officials

claim this weekend's election will accomplish the first peaceful, democratic transition of power

in Afghanistan's history. It might not turn out that way. The Taliban already has increased

the level of violence and industrial scale voter fraud is predicted. Nevertheless, thousands of

potential voters have showed up at rallies,

and the participation of women reflects profound cultural change. Will the election preserve

those gains by creating a government perceived as legitimate by Afghans and by Americans?

Today's talking point, a secret Twitter-like service created by the U.S. government to undermine Cuba.

First, here's the news.

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Hello again, Mormon. I'll knee back with To the Point. This weekend's presidential election could determine how much longer U.S. forces remain in Afghanistan.

Has America's longest war paved the way for real democracy? Will violence and voter fraud compromise the outcome?

Today's talking point, a Byzantine scheme by the U.S. to undermine Cuba with a cell phone messaging network designed to trigger a Cuban spring. First, this news

update. Three of the victims shot yesterday at Ford Hood, Texas, have died along with the shooter

who killed himself. Three others are in critical condition. In previously scheduled testimony,

...