These are your democracy advancers

"As soon as a U.S. Marine-led offensive swept the Taliban from Marja recently, a new civilian leader was rushed in, vowing to "bring back dignity" to the town. Turns out, he had served time in a German prison for stabbing his son, international officials said Saturday. Keeping Abdul Zahir in Marja's top post may complicate NATO's aim of urging people in southern Afghanistan to move beyond their violent past. "It's a concern," said a U.S. official, who asked not to be named because of the matter's sensitivity. "It's something a decision will have to be made on."" (thanks Dina)