Obama Congratulates Afghanistan On Its 'Historic Elections' --- U.S. President Barack Obama congratulated Afghanistan on its "historic elections" Saturday, calling the event "critical" to securing the country's Democratic future. -- "We commend the Afghan people, security forces, and elections officials on the turnout for today’s vote –- which is in keeping with the spirited and positive debate among candidates and their supporters in the run-up to the election," Obama said, according to a White House statement. -- Despite high threats of violence, turnout was incredibly high. The Associated Press reported that seven million out of 12 million eligible voters hit the polls, according to preliminary estimates. That number easily eclipsed 2009's turnout, which saw 4.5 million voters hit the polls. -- "I am here to vote and I am not afraid of any attacks," Haji Ramazan told the AP while standing at a rain-drenched polling station in Kabul. "This is my right, and no one can stop me." --- According to the AP report, due to Afghanistan's steep terrain, results will take around six weeks to compile. The U.S. has spent nearly $90 billion on aid and security training since its 2001 entrance into the country. - More, The Huffington Post | by Chris Gentilviso, at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/05/obama-afghanistan-elections_n_5097792.html?utm_hp_ref=afghanistan