Human Rights Watch has a report on the risks to women who vote in Saturday's Afghan elections. Reports that 41% of registered voters are women are likely exaggerated because of multiple counting of the same registrations. More imortantly, those women who do vote will do so at tremendous physical risk to their safety.

Widespread intimidation of women and general insecurity threaten women’s right to vote freely in the October 9, 2004, presidential elections, stand for political office, and fully participate in public life. Parliamentary and local elections planned for next year will present even greater challenges for women.

When a U.S.-led coalition invaded Afghanistan in October 2001, one of the justifications for the war was that it would liberate women from the misogynistic rule of the Taliban. There have been notable improvements for women and girls. More than one million girls are enrolled in school and the new Constitution contains guarantees for women’s equal rights.

However, warlords and the Taliban are undermining Afghan women’s participation in the political process through ongoing threats and attacks. Throughout the country, militarized political factions are using force, threats, and corruption to stifle more legitimate political activity and dominate the election process.

We'll be listening to Bush in the debate closely as he credits his Administration's achievements for Afghans, particularly women. I hope the mainstream media and bloggers will be fact-checking him.