According to media reports, he only reluctantly bowed to international pressure for a runoff between him and Dr.Abdullah.

VOA: standard.2009.10.28

"The withdrawal was Dr.Abdullah's personal choice.

VOA: standard.2009.11.01

Miliband welcomed the U.N.decision. "I think the measures than Ban Ki-moon has announced are important and I think the recognition of both the leading candidates, president Karzai and Dr.Abdullah that there have been attempts at widespread fraud is important in that respect,"

VOA: standard.2009.10.21

Dr Abdullah has since undertaken retraining at the Universiti Kebangsann Malaysia Medical Centre where she qualified in 1990.

BBC: No warning for surgeon who removed ovary not appendix

Dr Norlia Abdullah performed the operation at Hereford County Hospital as a locum doctor on 6 February, 2010.

BBC: No warning for surgeon who removed ovary not appendix

Is the U.S. encouraging talks between President Karzai and Dr. Abdullah on his joining the administration in some capacity?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing