Did Abdullah set Afghanistan back years?

In the wake of the Afghan (non)election, Afghanistan could be back to square one. When Abdullah Abdullah decided to drop out of the presidential runoff siting fraud and unfairness, did he consider the message he was sending to the people of his nation?

I know there are most assuredly legitimate and seemingly predictable fraudulent factors concerning this runoff, but is quitting and essentially giving President Hamid Karzai the election the best thing for Abdullah's strife riddled country? I also know that even without corruption, Karzai was projected to win easily, but Abdullah should have either known this and not run at all, or he should have stuck it out, strickly out of principle, something the proud Afghan people know all about.

By dropping out, Abdullah is sending a message to the Afghans that corruption and fraud will win out at every level in their country. How can this be healthy for a country that is already so deeply entrenched in controversy and seems desperate to find their place on the global stage?

Abdullah says he wants to remain in some sort of pivotal role in the new government, so why not go ahead and stick it out and finish his campaign? I know the security issue is a huge factor and dangerous explosions have occurred amidst the controversial election, but aren't there bigger fish to fry? Shouldn't the "leaders" in the region be trying to set a tone for years to come that would not allow such treachery such as corruption and violence? Shouldn't they show the people of their proud nation that evil will not win out every time?

It looks like business a s usual as long as no one will step up and be willing to take some heat for what they believe is right.