Obama urges Karzai to address corruption

President Obama called Afghan President Hamid Karzai today to congratulate him on winning a second term but nevertheless urged him to address corruption.

"Although the process was messy, I'm pleased to say that the final outcome was determined in accordance with Afghan law, which I think is very important," Obama told reporters today.

Karzai only secured a second term when his opponent decided to boycott the runoff election.

Obama said he urged Karzai to help "write a new chapter based on improved governance, a much more serious effort to eradicate corruption."

The White House has said that any strategy for bringing stability to Afghanistan must include a credible Afghan government.