Karzai's election increases pressure on Obama
KABUL (AP) — Hamid Karzai was declared the winner by default Monday in Afghanistan's fraud-marred presidential election, increasing the pressure on President Barack Obama to end his marathon deliberations at a time when a scaled-down version of his commander's ambitious plans is gaining support.
Obama welcomed Karzai's election with as much admonishment as praise, telling America's partner in war that he expects a more serious effort to end corruption in his government and ready his nation to defend itself when international troops ultimately withdraw.
"I emphasized that this has to be a point in time in which we begin to write a new chapter," Obama said in describing his congratulatory phone call to Karzai. The U.S. president said that when Karzai offered back assurances, Obama told him that "the proof is not going to be in words. It's going to be in deeds.
Rival Somali groups fight over British couple
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Rival pirates and militia groups have fought for control over a British couple held hostage for more than a week, an Islamic militia commander and a local elder said.
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» Full StoryAfghan's Karzai effectively handed 2nd term
KABUL (AP) — President Hamid Karzai effectively secured a second term Sunday when his only challenger dropped out of the race, and the Obama administration said it was prepared to work with the man...
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