Karzai’s Bet: U.S. Is Bluffing in Warning on Security Pact

[rug]

President Hamid Karzai on Sunday at the gathering of Afghan leaders whose advice on a security agreement he has rejected. (Omar Sobhani/Reuters)

By ROD NORDLAND and ALISSA J. RUBIN
Published: November 26, 2013

KABUL, Afghanistan — When President Hamid Karzai met with an audience of supporters gathered by the Afghan state television network, RTA, six months ago, he was asked what he would consider a favorable conclusion to the security negotiations he was conducting with the United States.

“It is favorable if they surrender to us,” he said.

Another question: But what if instead they just left?

He smirked, then said: “The U.S. has come and will not go, brother. It does not go. Therefore, ask for your demands and don’t worry.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/world/middleeast/karzais-bet-us-is-bluffing-on-warning-on-security-pact.html?ref=world&_r=0

Pull the plug.

[Vattel]

1. He is trying to get the best deal he can as he sees it.

A complete withdrawal in 2014 would be a disaster for Afghanistan, but Karzai knows that the US government does not want that.

[rug]

2. 8 to 12 thousands troops there indefinitely is not a good policy.

[Vattel]

3. I agree

[nilesobek]

4. Karzai is toast once were gone

He lasts two years tops once we withdraw. The Taliban will be in Kabul like a swarm of hornets.

[rug]

5. Welcome to DU.

[Victor_c3]

6. It's a shame that so many lives and resources were spent on Afghanistan

but we need to cut our losses and leave.

The best way to remember 2,153 Americans killed in Afghanistan is not to throw another 2,153 away.

[rug]

7. +2153