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Afghan optimism hit by violence Afghan optimism hit by violence
(about 8 hours later)
An opinion poll in Afghanistan suggests optimism about the country's future has fallen significantly in the last year.An opinion poll in Afghanistan suggests optimism about the country's future has fallen significantly in the last year.
But the poll shows that a majority of Afghans still believe that the country is heading in the right direction.But the poll shows that a majority of Afghans still believe that the country is heading in the right direction.
However, there has been a slump in confidence in southern provinces, where Nato forces have been involved in heavy clashes with Taleban fighters.However, there has been a slump in confidence in southern provinces, where Nato forces have been involved in heavy clashes with Taleban fighters.
The poll - for ABC news in the US and the BBC World Service - surveyed just over 1,000 adults across Afghanistan.The poll - for ABC news in the US and the BBC World Service - surveyed just over 1,000 adults across Afghanistan.
Worrying trendWorrying trend
On the face of it, this survey appears to reveal a serious slump in confidence in Afghanistan in the past year.On the face of it, this survey appears to reveal a serious slump in confidence in Afghanistan in the past year.
Have your say: Afghan future The number of Afghans believing the country is heading in the right direction is down from 77% to 55%, those thinking security is better now than under the Taleban is down from 75% to 58%.Have your say: Afghan future The number of Afghans believing the country is heading in the right direction is down from 77% to 55%, those thinking security is better now than under the Taleban is down from 75% to 58%.
Those who are optimistic about their own future amount to 54%, down 13%.Those who are optimistic about their own future amount to 54%, down 13%.
The statistics are even gloomier in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, the scene of intense fighting between Nato and Taleban forces.The statistics are even gloomier in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, the scene of intense fighting between Nato and Taleban forces.
Now, only four out of 10 people there think things are heading in the right direction, barely half the figure of a year ago. Eighty percent rate their security as poor.Now, only four out of 10 people there think things are heading in the right direction, barely half the figure of a year ago. Eighty percent rate their security as poor.
These trends, if they continue, will be worrying to the authorities in Kabul, Washington and London.These trends, if they continue, will be worrying to the authorities in Kabul, Washington and London.
On the other hand, they will surely be heartened that, in the circumstances, there are still positive majorities in the country, not least when comparisons are made with the time when the Taleban were in charge.On the other hand, they will surely be heartened that, in the circumstances, there are still positive majorities in the country, not least when comparisons are made with the time when the Taleban were in charge.
These include big majorities overall still backing the US-led invasion, the presence of foreign forces and the current Afghan government compared to the Taleban.These include big majorities overall still backing the US-led invasion, the presence of foreign forces and the current Afghan government compared to the Taleban.
But nearly 80% of people are worried about government corruption.But nearly 80% of people are worried about government corruption.
Also troubling in terms of Western policy, more people than a year ago - 40% to 26% - now believe it is acceptable to cultivate opium poppies, with the figure rising to nearly 60% in poppy-growing areas.Also troubling in terms of Western policy, more people than a year ago - 40% to 26% - now believe it is acceptable to cultivate opium poppies, with the figure rising to nearly 60% in poppy-growing areas.
Overall, this survey suggests limited support for the Taleban. But many more people than a year ago - 57% - see the Taleban as the main threat facing Afghanistan.Overall, this survey suggests limited support for the Taleban. But many more people than a year ago - 57% - see the Taleban as the main threat facing Afghanistan.
The poll was conducted via face-to-face interviews with 1,036 randomly selected Afghan adults across the country.