Tomorrow democratic elections will be held for the first time in Afghanistan's history. Above the key dates in Afghanistan move toward democracy:
- Oct. 7, 2001: U.S. and British forces begin airstrikes against Taliban regime for sheltering Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida terrorist network.
- Nov. 13, 2001: U.S.-backed Northern Alliance fighters enter Kabul, Afghan capital.
- Dec. 5, 2001: Conference of Afghan representatives in Germany creates framework for transitional government led by U.S.-approved candidate Hamid Karzai.
- Dec. 20, 2001: First international peacekeepers begin work in Kabul.
- Dec. 22, 2001: Interim government headed by Karzai sworn in.
- June 19, 2002: Grand council of Afghan leaders completes work on new government, affirming Karzai as country's interim president.
- Sept. 5, 2002: Gunman killed trying to assassinate Karzai.
- Nov. 3, 2003: Draft constitution presented after 11 months of work by 35-member commission, with local meetings for public input.
- Dec. 14, 2003: 502-member grand council convenes to debate constitutional draft.
- Jan. 4, 2004: Council adopts charter creating Islamic state under presidential system sought by Karzai, opening way for elections but also exposing enduring ethnic divisions.
- May 5, 2004: Three U.N. election workers shot dead in eastern Nuristan in attack claimed by Taliban rebels.
- June 25, 2004: Suspected Taliban kill up to 17 people in southern Uruzgan province because they registered to vote.
- Sept. 7, 2004: Thirty days of campaigning starts for presidential election.
- Oct. 9, 2004: Presidential election.
