The latest news on Afghanistan, Taiwan, Bank Distrust, India, and Iraq.

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Afghanistan. Afghan rivals begin final poll push "Candidates enter last day of campaigning ahead of landmark elections." Afghan campaign draws to a close "On the last day of campaigning before Thursday's poll, candidates in the Afghan presidential election woo voters." Afghan Campaign Issue: Talking to the Taliban "Whether and how to negotiate peace with the Taliban has become the one issue no candidate in the Afghan presidential election can avoid taking a stand on." Obama Defends Strategy In Afghanistan Conflict "President also repeats pledge that gradual withdrawal of forces from Iraq will continue, with combat brigades starting to leave country infall." Threats by Taliban May Sway Vote in Afghanistan "The insurgents’ campaign against this week’s election may cost President Hamid Karzai vital support from his fellow Pashtuns."

Taiwan.Taiwan receives international aid "International aid, including US military helicopters, arrives in Taiwan, more than a week after Typhoon Morakot hit the island."

Bank Distrust. For City’s Poor, Banks Are Still a Matter of Distrust "Persuading the poorest to rely on bank accounts instead of paying bills by cash is an eternal struggle."

India. India PM warns of fresh attacks "Indian PM Manmohan Singh says he has "credible information" that Pakistan-based militants are plotting fresh attacks."

Obama on Marriage Law. White House says federal marriage law is unfair "The administration filed court papers today against a law that denies federal recognition of gay marriage -- even as it defends the law in court." Obama: Marriage Law Unfair "President to request repeal of law that denies benefits to domestic partners of federal employees." Administration reluctantly defends gay-marriage ban "White House lawyers criticize the Defense of Marriage Act while defending it against a suit brought in Orange County."

Public Option. ‘Public Option’ in Health Plan May Be Dropped "For President Obama, giving up on a public insurance plan could punch a hole in Republican arguments but could also alienate liberal Democrats."

Education. Obama Pushes States to Shift on Education "An aggressive use of economic stimulus money has provoked heated debates over the uses of standardized testing and the proper federal role in education."

Iraq. More Troops Are Sought for Iraq’s Restive North "Gen. Ray Odierno, the U.S. commander in Iraq, said tensions between the Iraqi Army and the Kurdish militia were leaving a string of villages vulnerable to attack." Iraqi PM Backs Withdrawal Vote "Iraqi government to let voters decide whether the departure of U.S. troops should be accelerated."