Afghan Challenger Drops Out of Election

Abdullah Withdraws from Runoff After Karzai Rejects Demands Aimed at Preventing Fraud; New Election Now in Doubt

(AP)  Last Updated 7:31 a.m. ET

President Hamid Karzai's challenger withdrew Sunday from next weekend's runoff election, effectively handing the incumbent a victory but raising doubts about the credibility of the government at a time when the U.S. is seeking an effective partner in the war against the Taliban.

Former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah said he made his decision after Karzai turned down his demands for changes in the Independent Election Commission and other measures that he said would prevent massive fraud, which marred the first round of balloting Aug. 20.

Abdullah stopped short of calling for an electoral boycott and urged his followers "not to go to the streets, not to demonstrate."

Azizullah Lodin, the head of the Karzai-appointed commission, said he would have to confer with constitutional lawyers before deciding later Sunday whether the runoff would proceed without Abdullah.

Kai Eide, the top U.N. official in Afghanistan, said in a statement that the next step is to "bring this electoral process to a conclusion in a legal and timely manner."

The statement did not address whether the runoff should go forward, though U.N. spokesman Aleem Siddique said it looked impractical.

"It's difficult to see how you can have a runoff with only one candidate," Siddique said.

A clouded electoral picture further complicates the Obama administration's efforts to decide whether to send tens of thousands more troops to Afghanistan to battle the Taliban and its al Qaeda allies.

CBS News Special Report: Afghanistan

The White House has been waiting for a new government in Kabul to announce a decision, but the war has intensified in the meantime. October was the deadliest month of the war for U.S. forces with at least 57 American deaths.

Before the announcement, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton downplayed the prospect of an Abdullah withdrawal, saying it would not undermine the legitimacy of the election.

"I don't think it has anything to do with the legitimacy of the election," Clinton told reporters Saturday in Abu Dhabi. "It's a personal choice which may or may not be made."

Nevertheless, the contentious electoral process, marked by massive fraud in the Aug. 20 first round vote, has divided anti-Taliban groups at a time when the U.S. and its allies are pressing for unity in the face of growing insurgent strength.

U.S. officials pressured Karzai into agreeing to a runoff after U.N.-backed auditors threw out nearly a third of his votes from the August ballot, citing fraud.

Karzai's campaign spokesman, Waheed Omar, said it was "very unfortunate" that Abdullah had withdrawn but that the Saturday runoff should proceed.

"We believe that the elections have to go on, the process has to complete itself, the people of Afghanistan have to be given the right to vote," Omar said.

In an emotional speech, Abdullah told supporters that the Karzai-appointed election commission had engineered massive fraud in the first round vote, but his demands for replacing the top leadership had been rejected.

"I will not participate in the Nov. 7 election," Abdullah said, because a "transparent election is not possible."

Abdullah told reporters later that he was not calling for a boycott, but instead leaving it up to his supporters to decide whether to vote if a runoff goes forward on Saturday.

He said he made the decision "with a lot of pain" and hoped his withdrawal would "give the people of Afghanistan a chance to move on."

As recently as Saturday night, Abdullah staffers were saying he would call for supporters to boycott and for the runoff to be delayed until spring with an interim government in place until then. Abdullah said he made his final decision to take a softer stance in consideration of the cost in terms of lives, resources and time and effort.

Abdullah's running mate, Homayoun Assefy, said it was up to the government's Independent Election Commission to decide whether to hold the runoff next Saturday as scheduled.

Abdullah also made no mention of agreeing to take part in any future unity government with Karzai, which the U.S. and its international partners believe is the best hope for curbing the Taliban insurgency.

Instead, Abdullah said Karzai's government had not been legitimate since its mandate expired last May. The Supreme Court, appointed by Karzai, extended his mandate after the election was put off from last spring until August.

"In one hour, all my conditions could have been implemented. Unfortunately, until the last moment we were waiting, but we heard they rejected our appeals," Abdullah said.

He said the people of Afghanistan "have the right" to a free and fair election but the last ballot "was a failure."

Obama administration officials said they would be receptive to a power-sharing deal to avoid a runoff if Karzai and Abdullah could agree on a formula.

But Abdullah decided to exit the race after talks between the two sides broke down Thursday, according to two people close to the negotiations. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak for the candidate.

During recent talks, Abdullah demanded the removal of three key election officials, suspension of three Cabinet members and constitutional changes that would give him a say in the appointment of ministers and in major policy decisions, according to an Afghan close to the Karzai campaign.

Karzai refused to agree to the conditions, the Afghan said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not supposed to talk about the confidential discussions.

[jefleshman]

I think people need to be a little realistic in their expectations.

So, CBS posted the runoff election in a newer story is off but if Pres. Karzai agrees to Abdullahs terms there may be a runoff in the spring. Again, the IEC and all the nations of the world can stand by each ballet and make sure there is NO "ballet stuffing" again.

Mark my words, when Pres. Karzai wins again by an astonishing margin if there is a runoff, the people that believe Pres. Karzai is a puppet will still believe he is a puppet and no matter how "Free and without fraud" the elections could be...

On that same point, someone will always say there was widespread fraud (even if Abdullah accepts the elections as free and without fraud).

No matter what anyone does, no matter how much you prove your point of view, there is optimist and pessimist. I just happen to be very optimistic.

Again, if up to 8.5 million Afghans voted in August 20th 2009... I believe I am surrounded by millions of Afghans who believe the same.

Keep in mind, Our (the USA) country has had thousands of elections, even in 1864, close to 100 years after the birth of our country there was so-called wide spread fraud for the presidential elections.

This is only the 2nd Presidential election and they are well on their Democratic way. As you see they turned to their Constitution and are trying to figure this one out.

I am very proud of how the Afghan government is handling the situation! Heck not to0 long ago (2000 POTUS elections) there was a recount after Jury decisions and recount again and constitutional law experts and so on all discussing Florida's voting machines and hanging "chads". Still to this day there is allegations of financing campaigns and other allegations of fraud.

Again, I think people need to be a little realistic in their expectations.

[Ms_enza]

I think people need to be a little realistic in their expectations. by jefleshman November 2, 2009 6:59 AM EST

Which is why the Pentagon is saying that we can expect 14 years MORE in Afghanistan -- 23 years.

Yeah, let's be realistic. Let's leave NOW.

[natdef_1]

I still think the solution to the Afghan problem is to send over Rahm Emanuel in his ballet tights along with Barry and a half-dozen teleprompters. They'd be laughing so damned hard, they wouldn't be able to fight any more.

[louiville35]

The guy probably wasn't cut out to be president anyway.

[androidboy]

His campaign manager is Sarah Palin. (It's all too easy...)

[natdef_1]

That's not very funny, no matter who you are...

[armyoftwelve]

Another reason to start looking for other partnes in afghanisatan besides karzai.

[Virgil-1]

No doubt his life was threatened.What else could anyone expect from heathen people.

[hermitdave]

In honor of the American elections putting Dick Cheney in power using massive fraud, Afghanistan will continue the tradition by keeping a former oil company guy Karzai the puppet president. After all we wouldn't want some guy who might curb the flow of drugs, or close down the oil pipe line project. This would make all the death and destruction seem like a waste of time and money. Way to go Hillary, you proved a woman can be just as good a con artist politician as a man. We must keep up the false implication that the Afghan crusade was the only way on earth a super power like the United States could possibly capture DEAD or ALIVE one of its CIA operatives. With Osama Bin Laden being the only X operative in Afghanistan after 9/11/01, it was impossible for the poor guys at CIA to find a single operative, no matter how big a reward, that could catch this guy. Rummy and other top Cheney people just prayed over it, and the Christian God told them to go ahead and bomb and slaughter Afghan women and children, even if some of them had been converted.

[stn_sage]

Excellent post! You're right...obcourse, you don't need me to tell you that! But, there are quite a few who CAN'T grasp it...and even more...who WON'T except it! But...someday...when they get tired of being 'cheated' by their govt and its' reps...maybe their opinions will change!? There's always that HOPE!

[jefleshman]

Here is the real deal as I see it; forget all that "7 degrees of Pres. Karzai BS" you all like to play.

1. In total, an incumbent president, Karzai, and thirty-seven challengers including two women vied for the votes of the 17 million Afghans registered to vote.

(two woman and 35 other candidates to choose from in Afghanistan, can any other country say they have that many people wanting to be President and actually trying?)

2. On 20 Aug 2009, 40-50% (As high as 8.5 Million Afghan citizens voted) Of the estimated 17 million Afghans eligible to vote.

(this kinda kills the argument of "the Afghans do not want democracy" now doesn't it!)

3. So upto 8.5 million Afghan citizens voted and put their own lives at risk.

(who in the "BEEEEEEEP" thinks the Afghans do not want freedom and care about their future? These are the bravest people I even have seen and had the pleasure of working with)

(An estimated 26 civilians and security forces were killed during the elections)

4. Out of a population of more than 27 million (Source for population http://www.unhcr.org/491866832.html ) there were 75 attacks done to disrupt elections by the Enemies of Peace on elections day.

(Ok so there was fraud, But I am certainly proud of the Afghan Security forces that stood thier ground and beat off the attacks and provided some "BEEPing good support for the elections. They did it, not ISAF/NATO not the USA not anyone. Yes they are getting stronger and better everyday and I am not talking about the Taliban, AQI, or any other terrorist...I am talking about the Afghan Security forces)

SOURCE: http://www.globalization101.org/index.php?file=news1&id=169&PHPSESSID=adf8d0c0ffa4d8fb2fe4793971762680

5. Of the 40-50% that voted, there are estimated that upto 30% of the votes were tossed out (do to fraud) in favor of Pres. Karzai. Still non fraud votes put Karzai at 47% of the upto 8.5 million who voted.

6. Abdullah only has 28% of the 8.5 million votes versus Pres. Karzai 47% after all the alleged fraud votes were tossed.

SOURCE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/15/AR2009101502449.html

-----------------------------------------------------

So why did I type this long post...Do the math, the runoff would not be close! Abdullah would be embarrassed with a runoff. So to save face he "does not participate", give me a break...he is trying to save face!

[jefleshman]

I believe that the 8.5 million Afghan voters (who voted on Aug 20th)would expect their choice to not give up and quit. I am sure Abdullah's supporters would want that. It is a shame he quite on them. No election that I am aware of is not "clouded" with some sort of "fraud charges" such as illegal "contributions" and so on.

However, like I pointed out. Take away the "questionable ballets" and Pres. Karzai is still ahead by 1.6 million votes.

I hope they still have a runoff. Let their constitution speak for democracy and let the 8.5 million Afghans who voted and believe in democracy be heard again!

[jefleshman]

And you still havent defined "free and fair"... Is there such thing with people who always believe in conspiracy. My guess would be No to you, but yes to the Afghans!

[jefleshman]

Now it is time for your answer fink, to my question.

up to 8.5 MILLION voted in Afghanistan on 20 Aug 2009, would you say they believe in freedom? Be real, you had no clue that MANY Afghans voted did you?

[jefleshman]

Sure Fink, Tell me what lesson you think that the US does not do for international relations.

I would think you would type some comment like, communictaion and listening, but please share your point of view.

Also just to give you another answer to your denied ("the Afghans do not want us here) listen to the interview on CNN International with Dr. Abdullah explaining if he thinks there should be more US ISAF/NATO forces in Afghanistan.

http://www.cnn.com/video/

Finally, I see your sugar levels are up...again you are very "special".

[jefleshman]

Pres Karsai announced as the winner:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/02/afghanistan.election.runoff/index.html

[jefleshman]

(laughing) and your curse words make you so intelligent? Hypocrisy at its best!

[jefleshman]

bub, wyo, hungry, heck even Finkfust aka Hower and everyone else...

In college or High school, did you ever play the game "7 degrees of Kevin Bacon"?

[nextgenman09]

No, most of us were actually getting an education instead of goofing off playing irrelevant games.

[bubbadubba]

"Renewed hope for Afghan pipeline
by Raouf Liwal

KABUL, Nov 19 (IPS) - Prospects for the trans-Afghan pipeline seem good with the Asian Development Bank (AsDB) indicating that it is set to launch a preliminary report on the two billion U.S. dollar project linking the vast gas field in Turkmenistan to Pakistan, through Afghanistan.

The earlier contenders for the project, first mooted in the 1990s, were the U.S. oil and gas company, UNOCAL, and its Argentinean rival Bridas. Both had initially agreed to pay 300 million dollars to Afghanistan per annum as a premium for using the land.

But in December 1998, Unocal said it was withdrawing from the Central Asia Gas (CentGas) pipeline consortium for business reasons and no longer had any role in supporting the development or funding of this project. Bridas, too, had withdrawn from the project and analysts suggest this was due to security reasons.

But now, according to insiders, there are strong indications UNOCAL could be favoured by Afghan officials in the government of President Hamid Karzai to return back to the development of the trans-Afghan pipeline venture - though the company's role is not exactly clear in the AsDB-led project.

Half of the 1800-kilometer-long pipeline will pass through Afghan territory to supply gas from Dawlatabad city of Turkmenistan to the Gawadar Port of Pakistan."

[bubbadubba]

The oil companies paid him off to drop out. The oil companies want that pipeline.
Get a clue world.
I like President Obama but he also needs to get a clue as to why we really in Afghanistan and why so many bribed Republicans are demanding we stay there.
OUT OF AFGHANISTAN NOW.

[Joutue]

By jontue november 1,2009 8:41 Am

My sentiments exactley, someone sure paid him off. It's been corruption
since, day one of us involvements.
News was that the CIA were running drugs in afghanistan, while Bush was in office.
And Obama should've gotten rid of those corrupt commanders, gen Patreaus, McChrystal, and Robert Gates, over the pentagon their all been
corrupt in illegal activities.
Gates has sold weapons to foriegn countries, and who knows what else.
Patreaus was involved in continuing the war in iraq, along with Rumsfeld
For oil purposes and selling them to other countries. While our was skye high.
McChrystal would go around after dark and stir up trouble between the sunni and other tribes in iraq.
And thousands of our troops died for the Bush administrations gains, millions of innocent iraqies.
Both of the Bush wars should be put to rest and let those countries try to heal them selves from usa invasion. And run thir own country the way they seem fit to them.
The us should withdraw from them, shore our ports up,and borders, air waves, and go from there.
We have enough problems here at home to clean up.

[Dadgumgerman]

It is better by far that Karzai stays in charge. He has the experience and has a good idea what America is expecting from Kabul. It is critical that Karzai continues a good dialogue with us.

[wyodutch]

Let's not be hypocrites here... Karzai being elected in a fraudulent election matters not to the American government.
.
Karzai is our man in Kabul and replacing him won't be easy. After all... how many Afghani politicians are former board members of Unocal Petroleum or have a drug-dealing brother on the CIA's payroll?
.
Ever wonder how Kaizai came to be America's Pashtun Puppet?
.
The man who spotted Karzai's "leadership potential" and recruited him to the fold was then RAND program director, now US National Security Council member and former special Bush envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad. Like Karzai, Khalilzad is an ethnic Pashtun (PhD - University of Chicago). He headed Bush's defense department transition team, and served under present US Deputy Secretary of Defense Wolfowitz in the Reagan State and Bush I Defense Departments.
.
Also like Karzai (whom Mullah Omar once asked to represent the Taliban at the UN), and one further thing both men have in common is that in 1996/97 they advised American oil company Unocal on the US$2 billion project of a Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline.
.
In 2000, Khalilzad invited Karzai to address a RAND seminar on Afghanistan; the same year, Karzai also testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and met periodically with Christina Rocca, then a Senate aide to Kansas Republican Sen Sam Brownback.
.
"To us, he is still Hamid, a man we've dealt with for some time," said a state department official.

[hungry1968-17]

This just further proves, along with Iraq and Iran, that islamic majority countries have NO INTEREST in becoming democracies, with representative elected governments.

[michigander62]

BO should send the troop alright. He should send them home. Not one American or for that matter non-Afgan solder's life is worth loosing over that bunch of ungrateful crooks. LGM CWO (ret) USAR

[decotoguy]

The people of America are too BRAIN DEAD to see what is really going on in both Afghanistan and Iraq,and that is OIL....
Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of thier country
and DIE for OIL.(the more death the more OIL...)