While Iranians continue to protest in the street over the outcome of their recent election, the people of Afghanistan are preparing for a presidential election of their own.

President Barack Obama's national security adviser, Gen. Jim Jones, met with the candidates Tuesday in Kabul.

First, he visited President Hamid Karzai, and later talked with three top opposition candidates: former Foreign Minister Abdullah,  former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani and former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mirwais Yasini.

Jones said the Aug. 20 election is a milestone for Afghanistan's young democracy, but stressed that the U.S. will stay out of the race and not pick sides.

He is in Pakistan and Afghanistan region to discuss the Obama administration's new strategy for the volatile region. Jones will also stop in India.