AFGHANISTAN - Oct 6 - Karzai's Running Mate Survives Assassination Attempt.

Pres Hamid Karzai's running mate Ahmad Zia Massoud escapes an assassination attempt during a campaign stop in northern Afghanistan, the third attack on one of his close political allies only days before the country holds its first direct Presial election. Ahmad Zia Massoud, was unhurt in the attack near Faisabad, capital of Badakhshan province. Several people were hurt, including Sayed Ikramudin Masumi, the former provincial governor, and unconfirmed local reports indicated two civilians were killed. Karzai and his running mates have made only a handful of campaign stops outside Kabul partly due to fears for their security. Karzai aborted a trip to the southern city of Gardez last month when a rocket exploded as his helicopter prepared to land. It was not clear who planted what appeared to be a remote-controlled roadside bomb. The northern region is considered stable and free of extremist insurgents loyal to the Taliban, who have kept up a wave of attacks in southern Afghanistan. However, the northern region is a major opium producer and has grown more restive in recent months, perhaps due to efforts to eradicate some of the poppy crop.