Some candidates say the embassy pressured them not to run against President Karzai. American officials deny the accusations.

By Paul Watson, Times Staff Writer

KABUL, Afghanistan — Mohammed Mohaqiq says he was getting ready to make his run for the Afghan presidency when U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad dropped by his campaign office and proposed a deal.

"He told me to drop out of the elections, but not in a way to put pressure," Mohaqiq said. "It was like a request."

"He left, and then called my most loyal men, and the most educated people in my party or campaign, to the presidential palace and told them to make me — or request me — to resign the nomination. And he told my men to ask me what I need in return."

Now, it passes the smell test. What one would expect. And it seems unlikely the guy would lie about it. After all, no one seriously questions that Nader decided to run based upon his convictions or the thought that he could be constructive in any way except to help Bush.

And most of all, if true, it shows what GWB & Co. think about "democracy".

Arf