Karzai Hints He Won't Run for 2nd Term

[cal04]

Afghanistan's first democratically elected president, Hamid Karzai, strongly hinted in an interview that he will not run for another term in office.

Karzai became Afghanistan's transitional leader soon after the Taliban regime's ouster in late 2001, then was chosen as its first democratically elected president in late 2004, with a five-year term. The next election is slated for 2009.

``Let other people get a chance to run,'' Karzai told Fortune magazine in an interview. His spokesman, Khaleeq Ahmed, said Wednesday the article was accurate and properly characterized the president's views.


(snip)
Karzai said the international community weakened his government by rewarding pro-U.S. warlords for their role in the Taliban's ouster, but insisted no warlords were in his administration. Karzai's Cabinet includes mujahedeen leaders, who fought against Soviet occupation and in the collapse into anarchy that followed.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6004091,00.html

[maxsolomon]

1. he likes being alive

smart move

[sabra]

2. "mujahedeen leaders, who fought against Soviet occupation"

UBL?

[WhiteTara]

3. smart man.

He recognizes a losing proposition.

[katty]

4. finally--Karzai: I'm outta here, bushie, hire another babysitter

[saigon68]

5. The Mayor won't seek RE-SELECTION

yawn

[The Stranger]

6. He is running for Senate as an independent from Connecticut.

Or so I heard.

[AlCzervik]

7. LOL!!!!!

[daleo]

8. He's gonna get while the gettin's good

No doubt back to a western oil company.

[saigon68]

10. Yes maybe he will Whore for BP this time

After his stint at exxon his knees pads were worn out.

[ckramer]

9. Why? The kitchen is too HOT!

A signal that his government is collapsing.

[David Zephyr]

11. It's his way to bargain for more cash in his Swiss bank account.

Of course, the money is already being wired. Your tax dollars to this Unocal crook.

[UTUSN]

12. That's the essence of democracy n/t