Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan-- In his first public comments since winning a second term, President Hamid Karzai struck a conciliatory note Tuesday, pledging to form an inclusive government and to tackle corruption, as advocated by the U.S. and many fellow Afghans.

But he offered no specific gestures toward his election rival, former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah. Nor would he commit to measures that might help restore legitimacy to his administration after a turbulent election marred by widespread fraud.

The U.S. strategy to stabilize Afghanistan requires a credible government in Kabul that can support military operations and deliver services to help draw civilians away from an escalating Taliban insurgency.

But the decision Monday by electoral officials to declare Karzai the victor after Abdullah, citing concerns of more fraud, pulled out of a weekend election runoff, deprived the president of a genuine win at the polls. President Obama may now find it more difficult to justify major troop increases, which his commanders have recommended to bolster the war effort.

U.S. and European leaders are pressing Karzai to reach out to his rivals, including Abdullah's camp, to help form a government that is serious about improving governance and cracking down on the corruption that has colored his administration.