ANALYSIS - U.S. looks to work with, and around, Karzai

By Sue Pleming

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States will exert firm pressure on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to govern better in a second term but also plans to seek out ministers and other officials with a record of tackling corruption, said U.S. officials and diplomats.

Karzai is set for another term after key rival Abdullah Abdullah pulled out on Sunday from the Nov. 7 run-off, saying his demands had not been met for a fair vote, and casting a pall over the legitimacy of the next government.

For months, Washington has been looking at how best to turn around what many see as a weak, corrupt Afghan government that U.S. commanders say helped to fuel the insurgency.

While unrealistic to bypass Karzai -- such a move would backfire -- U.S. officials and diplomats say there are ways to work around him if needed and target cabinet members, governors and others not seen as complicit in corruption and who could offer what is often referred to as "good enough" governance.

"There is no way you can bypass him (Karzai) but we want to target those institutions and interlocutors who are trying to fight corruption," said a senior U.S. official.

"If we can strengthen people who are trying to stamp out corruption then we will be able to make a difference on the ground," added the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as the issue is sensitive.

The White House has made clear in its Afghanistan strategy review that it needs a credible partner to work with and Karzai must govern more effectively if he wants to be seen as legitimate both at home and by those nations propping him up.

Obama asked for a detailed accounting of each of Afghanistan's provinces and how well they are being run by governors, tribal leaders and militias.