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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Karzai Working on Deals With Challengers

Power-sharing agreement may be in the works

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(Newser) – The Afghanistan election has turned into such a mess that President Hamid Karzai is discussing some kind of partnership with at least two of his challengers, the Wall Street Journal reports. His camp and that of top challenger Abdullah Abdullah are talking through third parties, while Karzai also has reached out to fourth-place finisher Ashraf Ghani.

The news comes as Afghan's election body declared that Karzai won 55% of the final vote—enough to avoid a runoff, in theory—but it will take another month or so to work through all the fraud allegations. Details of the talks between Karzai and the other candidates are scant. But a spokesman for Abdullah says he's willing to enter a power-sharing agreement if Karzai agrees to one that is "serious and substantial."

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is seen in Kabul Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai is seen in Kabul Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ahmad Masood, Pool)
An Afghan cycles past an election poster of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai.
An Afghan cycles past an election poster of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai.   (AP Photo/Farzana Wahidy)
Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah.
Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah.   (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
In this Aug. 20, 2009, file photo, Afghan incumbent President Hamid Karzai holds up his finger, inked purple after casting his election ballot, as he meets with the press in Kabul.
In this Aug. 20, 2009, file photo, Afghan incumbent President Hamid Karzai holds up his finger, inked purple after casting his election ballot, as he meets with the press in Kabul.   (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool, File)
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If there's some kind of deal that promotes domestic peace, that's a reasonable alternative. Not the ideal one, but a reasonable one.
- A senior western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity

We welcome any opportunity to work with Dr. Abdullah or Dr. Ghani.
- Wahid Omar, spokesman for Hamid Karzai

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4 comments
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Altoecko
Sep 16, 09 4:39 PM CDT
That actually doesn't sound like too bad of a deal as long as each branch respects the others. Reply
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logothete
Sep 16, 09 5:26 PM CDT
If Karzai knows what's good for him that's the way he'll go - he can't afford to be a target for both the Taliban and his rivals. Reply
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Robert_Dada
Sep 16, 09 6:05 PM CDT
Karzai: Corruption personified. What do you expect from someone so deeply penetrated inside the Bush vagina? Reply
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yoeydude
Sep 17, 09 3:08 AM CDT
this is going to get ugly , many feel the elections were rigged , he is weak and will have to make many concessions , he will need to ally himself with those with guns and power , that would be the warlords making the most money in opium, and probably connections to u know who , this is going to get ugly Reply
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+2
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